DNA damage sensor protein hRad9, a novel molecular target for lung cancer treatment.

DNA damage sensor proteins are recognized as upstream components of the DNA damage checkpoint signaling pathway and are required for cell cycle control and the induction of apoptosis. hRad9 plays an important role as an upstream regulator of checkpoint signaling. In our previous studies, we confirmed the significant accumulation of hRad9 in the nuclei of tumor cells in surgically-resected non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) specimens.

Accumulation of hRad9 protein in the nuclei of nonsmall cell lung carcinoma cells.

Background: DNA damage sensor proteins have received much attention as upstream components of the DNA damage checkpoint signaling pathway that are required for cell cycle control and the induction of apoptosis. Deficiencies in these proteins are directly linked to the accumulation of gene mutations, which can induce cellular transformation and result in malignant disease.

Methods: Using 48 sets of tumor tissue specimens and peripheral normal lung tissue specimens from 48 patients with nonsmall cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) who underwent surgery, the authors investigated the expression of hRad9 protein, a member of the human DNA damage sensor family, using immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses.