ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Glypican-3 (GPC3) is a heparan sulfate proteoglycan. When it is disrupted, it causes the X-linked gigantism-overgrowth Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome. Its involvement in growth control is consistent with recent reports that it can bind to growth factors, possibly including insulin-like growth factor 2. Further, it has been hypothesized that it may function as a tumor suppressor gene in breast and ovarian carcinomas and mesotheliomas. PATIENTS AND METHODS: RNA and protein were extracted from Wilms tumor and hepatoblastoma tissue samples and GPC3 levels were measured in these extracts by Northern blotting, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and immunoblotting. RESULTS: In contrast to published results with carcinomas, high levels of GPC3 expression were found in Wilms tumor and hepatoblastoma. Low or undetectable expressions of this gene were found in normal tissue surrounding the tumor. CONCLUSIONS: Increased expression of GPC3 in Wilms tumor and hepatoblastoma suggests a growth-promoting or neutral activity for this gene product rather than a growth-suppressive effect.
Subject(s)
Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans/genetics , Hepatoblastoma/genetics , Kidney Neoplasms/genetics , Liver Neoplasms/genetics , Wilms Tumor/genetics , Adolescent , Blotting, Western , Child , Child, Preschool , DNA Primers/chemistry , Female , Glypicans , Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans/metabolism , Hepatoblastoma/metabolism , Humans , Infant , Kidney Neoplasms/metabolism , Liver Neoplasms/metabolism , Male , Neoplasm Proteins/metabolism , Neoplasm Staging , RNA, Messenger/analysis , RNA, Neoplasm/analysis , Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction , Wilms Tumor/metabolismABSTRACT
When comparing firearm fatalities for children under 16 years of age before and after handgun legislation enactment in Maryland, firearm fatalities increased overall. A decrease in accidental deaths in the home perhaps reflects a response to public education and awareness. More aggressive handgun legislation is imperative to reverse this public health trend.
