[Tumor suppressor gene RBSP3 in cervical carcinoma: copy number and transcriptional level]

In this work for the first time copy number and expression changes of the tumor suppressor gene RBSP3 (3p21.3) were investigated. The study was performed on HPV-positive squamous cervical carcinoma (SCC) using real-time PCR. Deletions were detected in 42% of cases (19 of 45 studied biopsies). Frequency of deletions was significantly higher in SCC samples with metastases (64%) than in tumors without metastases (32%, P < 0.05). In a few cases amplification of RBSP3 was also found. Altogether copy number changes of RBSP3 were detected in 51% of cases (23 of 45). Expression of RBSP3 was decreased in 64% of SCC samples (21 of 33). Again decreased expression of RBSP3 was detected significantly more frequently (83%) in tumors with metastases compared with SCC without metastases (52%, P < 0.05). In several cases however increased expression was observed. Altogether changes in expression of RBSP3 were detected in 79% (26 of 33) of SCC biopsies. Comparison of copy number and expression changes showed that in 23% of SCC cases decreased expression of RBSP3 was detected in samples with deletions and in 36% cases such decrease was not associated with copy number changes. Rarely more complicated SCC cases were found. For example in some tumors increased expression of RBSP3 was detected in samples with deletions or without changes in copy number. Results of the study suggested that RBSP3 is involved in the progression of SCC and complex mechanisms for inactivation of RBSP3. We also hypothesize that these data indicate that RBSP3 in addition to dephosphorylation of pRb has other functions important for malignant transformation because pRb is almost absent in HPV-positive SCC.