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BCL2 and BAX mRNA concentration profile in fibrillary astrocytoma
U Mazurek1, G Bierzyńska-Macyszyn, J Gola
1Department of Molecular Biology, Biochemistry and Biopharmacy, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland. umazurek@farmant.slam.katowice.pl
Abstract:
A high level of the BCL2 protein and the lack of apoptosis promoting protein BAX are beginning to be treated as markers of cellular resistance to anti-neoplastic drugs. The object of the study were specimens from stereotactic biopsy of Astrocytoma fibrillare in the central brain area, inaccessible to conventional surgery. The cytological preparations have been evaluated with histopathological and immunohistochemical methods in order to determine the origin of the tumour and assess cell proliferation activity. The molecular analysis conducted in order to determine the sensitivity of the tumour to radio- or chemotherapy included the determination of the number of mRNA BCL2 alpha and beta molecules and of BAX in 1 microg total RNA obtained from microscope slides. A higher expression of BAX than of BCL2-alpha is a prognosis for a positive result of chemo- or radiotherapy. A trace number of mRNA BCL2-beta molecules and a smaller number of mRNA BCL2-alpha molecules than mRNA BAX is a good prognosis for therapy.
Insights
High BCL2 protein and low BAX indicate resistance to anti-cancer drugs. Increased BAX compared to BCL2-alpha suggests positive chemo- or radiotherapy outcomes for Astrocytoma.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Neuro-oncology
Background:
- High BCL2 protein and low BAX expression are emerging markers for anti-neoplastic drug resistance.
- Astrocytoma fibrillare in central brain areas presents treatment challenges due to inaccessibility for conventional surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the prognostic significance of BCL2 and BAX expression in Astrocytoma fibrillare.
- To determine tumor sensitivity to radio- or chemotherapy based on molecular markers.
Main Methods:
- Stereotactic biopsy of Astrocytoma fibrillare specimens.
- Histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation of cytological preparations.
- Molecular analysis of mRNA BCL2 alpha, BCL2 beta, and BAX levels in total RNA.
Main Results:
- A higher expression of BAX than BCL2-alpha indicates a positive prognosis for chemo- or radiotherapy.
- Trace amounts of mRNA BCL2-beta and lower BCL2-alpha than BAX levels are favorable prognostic indicators for therapy.
Conclusions:
- BCL2 and BAX expression levels serve as predictive biomarkers for treatment response in Astrocytoma fibrillare.
- Molecular profiling can guide therapeutic strategies for brain tumors inaccessible to surgery.