Amplification of PRKCI, located in 3q26, is associated with lymph node metastasis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
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Updated: Jul 10, 2026
Comparative Lesions Analysis Through a Targeted Sequencing Approach
Published on: November 5, 2019
Yi-Ling Yang1, Jia-You Chu, Man-Li Luo
1State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Institute (Hospital), Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
Abstract:
DNA amplification is one of the mechanisms to activate genes that are implicated in neoplastic transformation and gain of chromosome band 3q26 is a common event in squamous cell carcinomas. The aim of the present work was to identify the specific target gene from four candidates (MDS1, PRKCI, ECT2, and PIK3CA) located on 3q26 amplification in esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCCs). To assess the prevalence of copy number gains of putative genes, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was applied on 108 ESCCs and 9 ESCC cell lines. Our data showed that MDS1 and PRKCI were more frequently gained. Positive correlation was found only for PRKCI between amplification and tumor size (P = 0.043), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.015) and clinical stage (P = 0.002). PRKCI gene amplification was highly correlated with protein overexpression (P = 0.009), suggesting that gene amplification is one important mechanism involved in PRKCI overexpression. To investigate further the role of PRKCI alteration in esophageal tumors, a tissue microarray containing samples from 180 ESCCs was used for immunohistochemistry analysis. Statistical analysis revealed that PRKCI overexpression was correlated with lymph node metastasis (P = 0.002) and higher stage (P = 0.004). Performing multivariate logistic regression analysis, a significant association between PRKCI overexpression and presence of lymph node metastasis was found, which was independent of T-stage of the primary tumors (P = 0.004). Our results indicate that PRKCI is an attractive target in the 3q26 amplicon and that it may serve as a molecular marker for metastasis and occult advanced tumor stages in ESCC.
Insights
Gene amplification of PRKCI on chromosome 3q26 is linked to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) progression. PRKCI overexpression correlates with metastasis and advanced tumor stages, suggesting its role as a potential biomarker.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Gene amplification is a key mechanism in neoplastic transformation.
- Chromosome band 3q26 gain is frequent in squamous cell carcinomas.
- Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a significant global health concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the specific target gene within the 3q26 amplicon in ESCC.
- To investigate the role of candidate genes (MDS1, PRKCI, ECT2, PIK3CA) in ESCC development.
- To correlate gene amplification and protein expression with clinical parameters.
Main Methods:
- Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to assess copy number gains in 108 ESCCs and 9 cell lines.
- Tissue microarray and immunohistochemistry (IHC) on 180 ESCCs to analyze PRKCI protein expression.
- Statistical analyses including correlation, logistic regression, and multivariate analysis.
Main Results:
- MDS1 and PRKCI showed frequent copy number gains in ESCC.
- PRKCI amplification correlated with tumor size, lymph node metastasis, and clinical stage.
- PRKCI overexpression was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis and advanced tumor stage, independent of primary tumor stage.
Conclusions:
- PRKCI is a likely target gene within the 3q26 amplicon in ESCC.
- PRKCI amplification contributes to its overexpression.
- PRKCI overexpression may serve as a molecular marker for metastasis and occult advanced stages in ESCC.