Expression of fibroblast growth factors and their receptors in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome—associated Kaposi sarcoma tissue and derived cells

Background. Fibroblast growth factors (FGF), such as basic FGF, have been implicated in the development of Kaposi sarcoma (KS) in vitro. The expression of several genes of the FGF family and their receptors in KS tumor lesions and KS-derived cells were evaluated. Methods. Cultures of KS-derived cells were established. The expression of FGF family members and their receptors in these cells and in fresh biopsies from KS tumors was evaluated by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR). The RTPCR products were confirmed by nucleotide sequencing. Results. The expression of basic FGF and FGF receptor-1 (flg) was detected in all the samples tested