Low Prevalence of MEK1 Mutations in Melanoma and Colon Cancer

Strategic Insights -

Mutations in the Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway are commonly found in melanoma, colon cancer, and thyroid cancer. However, mutations in exon 2 of MEK1 and exon 7 of ERK2 have not been extensively investigated in these cancers. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University conducted a study to investigate the prevalence of MEK1 and ERK2 mutations in 185 samples, including 167 tumor samples and 18 cell lines of melanoma, colon cancer, and thyroid cancer. They found a low prevalence of MEK1 mutations in melanoma and colon cancer, but none in thyroid cancer. The study suggests that MEK1 mutations may provide a potential target for effective therapy in cases of melanomas and colon cancer harboring these mutations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found a low prevalence of MEK1 mutations in 185 samples, including 167 tumor samples and 18 cell lines of melanoma, colon cancer, and thyroid cancer.
  • A.K. Murugan and colleagues reported a MEK1 mutation in 1 of 37 (3%) melanoma tumor samples and another MEK1 mutation in 1 of 45 (2.2%) colon cancer samples.
  • No MEK1 mutations were found in 99 thyroid tumor samples and 12 thyroid cancer cell lines.
  • No ERK2 mutations were found in any of the 185 samples.
  • Both of the two MEK1 mutants have been demonstrated to be activating in the MAPK signaling pathway.
  • The study suggests that MEK1 mutations may provide a potential target for effective therapy in cases of melanomas and colon cancer harboring these mutations.

Statistics:

  • 185 samples were analyzed, including 167 tumor samples and 18 cell lines of melanoma, colon cancer, and thyroid cancer. (Source: Cell Cycle, 2009)
  • 1 out of 37 (3%) melanoma tumor samples had a MEK1 mutation. (Source: Cell Cycle, 2009)
  • 1 out of 45 (2.2%) colon cancer samples had a MEK1 mutation. (Source: Cell Cycle, 2009)
  • No MEK1 mutations were found in 99 thyroid tumor samples. (Source: Cell Cycle, 2009)
  • No MEK1 mutations were found in 12 thyroid cancer cell lines. (Source: Cell Cycle, 2009)
  • No ERK2 mutations were found in any of the 185 samples. (Source: Cell Cycle, 2009)

Sources:

  • Cell Cycle, 2009;8(13):2122-2124
  • A.K. Murugan et al., Johns Hopkins University
  • M.Z. Xing, Johns Hopkins University, School Medical, Division Endocrinol & Metab, 1830 E Monument St., Suite 333, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
  • Landes Bioscience, 1002 West Avenue, 2ND Floor, Austin, TX 78701, USA