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Assessment of Mitochondrial Functions and Cell Viability in Renal Cells Overexpressing Protein Kinase C Isozymes
15:43

Assessment of Mitochondrial Functions and Cell Viability in Renal Cells Overexpressing Protein Kinase C Isozymes

Published on: January 7, 2013

Differential expression of activator protein-2 isoforms in renal cell carcinoma

Mototsugu Oya1, Shuji Mikami, Ryuichi Mizuno

  • 1Department of Urology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.

Urology
|July 13, 2004
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Activator protein-2 (AP-2) isoforms show varied expression in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). AP-2alpha is dominant in clear cell RCC, while AP-2beta is linked to early-stage carcinogenesis.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Urology

Background:

  • Activator protein-2 (AP-2) is a transcription factor implicated in carcinogenesis and kidney development.
  • Three AP-2 isoforms (alpha, beta, gamma) share structural homology but have distinct functions.
  • Understanding AP-2 expression in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is crucial for insights into tumorigenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the differential expression of AP-2 isoforms (alpha, beta, gamma) in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) using immunohistochemistry.
  • To explore the correlation between AP-2 isoform expression and clinicopathological features of RCC.
  • To assess the potential role of AP-2 in the early stages of kidney cancer development.

Main Methods:

  • Immunohistochemistry was employed to evaluate the expression of AP-2alpha, AP-2beta, and AP-2gamma in 58 RCC tissue specimens.
  • Expression levels of epidermal growth factor receptor and erbB2 were also assessed in a subset of 42 RCC patients.
  • Statistical analysis was performed to determine correlations between AP-2 isoform expression and RCC subtypes and stages.

Main Results:

  • AP-2 isoforms exhibited differential expression patterns in normal renal tubules and RCC tissues.
  • AP-2alpha was significantly more expressed in clear cell RCC (25.9% overall, 14/41 clear cell) compared to non-clear cell subtypes (1/17).
  • AP-2beta was detected in 13.8% of cases, with higher expression in localized, low-stage tumors (pT1a), suggesting a role in early carcinogenesis. AP-2gamma expression was minimal (3.5%).

Conclusions:

  • AP-2 isoforms are differentially expressed in both normal adult kidneys and RCC.
  • AP-2alpha is a dominant isoform in clear cell renal cell carcinoma.
  • AP-2beta expression in early-stage RCC suggests its potential involvement in the initial phases of kidney cancer development.

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