To determine the timing of gene amplification during tumorigenesis, tissue sections from amplified HNSCC specimens (containing a contiguous transition from normal epithelium to hyperplasia to dysplasia to carcinoma) were probed for INT2 gene copy number by chromosome in situ hybridization.
Although hst-1 and int-2 are usually not expressed despite amplification, elevated transcription of the cyclin D gene is accompanied by its amplification, suggesting a role of a G1 cyclin in oesophageal carcinogenesis.
These results suggest that amplification of chromosomal locus of the hst-1 and int-2 genes might participate in carcinogenesis, in progression, and particularly in metastasis of esophageal carcinomas.
int-2 is a proto-oncogene that is partially homologous to angiogenesis-inducing fibroblast growth factor and is believed to play a role in mouse mammary carcinogenesis.