Distribution of c-yes-1 gene product in various cells and tissues

The distribution and degree of expression of c-yes-1 gene product in a variety of cell lines, human foetal tissues, and adult normal and malignant tissues were examined using immunohistochemical techniques. A murine monoclonal antibody 1B7 raised against a fusion protein consisting of 64 amino acid residues from the N-terminus of the c-yes-1 gene product and bacterial phosphate-binding protein (PBP) was used. At the ultrastructural level, the c-yes-1 gene product recognised by 1B7 was localised in the cytoplasm. Moderate to strong expression of the c-yes-1 gene product was observed in HT10-80 (fibrosarcoma), IN-1 (malignant lymphoma), Marcus (glioblastoma), TIG-1-20 (foetal skin fibroblast), proximal tubules of foetal and adult kidney, one of four breast cancers, one of four colorectal cancers, 14 of 33 head and neck cancers, 13 of 24 renal cancers, three of 19 lung cancers and one of seven stomach cancers. These results were further confirmed by Western blotting. Histological types showing moderate to strong expression of the c-yes-1 gene product were renal cell carcinoma (13/24) and squamous cell carcinoma (15/38). The fact that the c-yes-1 gene product is expressed preferentially in renal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma may indicate that it plays an important role.