Genetically determined polymorphism of the circulating human breast
cancer-associated DF3 antigen
DF Hayes, H Sekine, D Marcus, CA Alper and DW Kufe
Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston,
MA 02115.
The murine monoclonal antibody (MAb) DF3 was prepared against a human
breast carcinoma. Previous studies have demonstrated that DF3 antigen
levels are elevated in plasma of patients with breast cancer. Furthermore,
MAb DF3 reacts with circulating glycoproteins of different molecular
weights ranging from approximately 300 to 450 kd. The present study
demonstrates that plasma DF3 antigen is comprised of at least four moieties
with slow (S), intermediate (I), rapid (R) and very rapid (VR)
electrophoretic mobilities. The electrophoretic mobility patterns for
circulating DF3 antigen differ among individuals. Moreover, DF3 antigen is
detectable in urine, and the electrophoretic mobility of the urinary
moieties is similar, but not identical, to that in the plasma. Studies in
family members suggest that the electrophoretic heterogeneity of plasma DF3
antigen is determined by codominant expression of multiple alleles at a
single locus. This locus may code for the core protein of DF3 antigen.
These findings thus identify a genetically determined polymorphism of a
circulating tumor-associated glycoprotein.
Volume 71,
Issue 2,
pp. 436-440,
02/01/1988
Copyright © 1988 by The American Society of Hematology
