Analysis of c-Kit Gene Polymorphism in NK/T Cell Lymphoma in Korean Population / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The proto-oncogene c-KIT encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase (KIT) whose ligand is a stem cell factor. KIT is expressed and critical for the development and growth of mast cells, melanocytes, hematopoetic stem cells, and the interstitial cells of Cajal. In this study, c-kit gene mutations were analyzed in 27 cases of NK/T cell lymphoma. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: During 1995 to 2002, 27 patients with NK/T cell lymphoma in the head and neck area were selected for this study. The nasal cavity were predominant sites (15 cases), followed by 6 nasopharynx cases, 4 tonsil 4 cases, and 2 hard palate cases. Gene mutation was analyzed by PCR-SSCP and direct sequencing. RESULTS: c-kit gene mutation was found in 5 of 27 cases by the PCR-SSCP method. Among the 5 cases, 2 cases exhibited no mutation by direct sequencing. Consequently, the mutation of c-kit gene was detected in 3 of 27 cases. CONCLUSION: The frequency of c-kit gene mutation (11%) indicated in the present cases is lower than that reported in north China but higher than that in Japan.