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Published on: February 28, 2019
Gene expression profiling in sinonasal adenocarcinoma
Dominique Tripodi1, Sylvia Quéméner, Karine Renaudin
1Inserm, UMR 892, Nantes F-44007, France. dominique.tripodi@chu-nantes.fr
Background:
Sinonasal adenocarcinomas are uncommon tumors which develop in the ethmoid sinus after exposure to wood dust. Although the etiology of these tumors is well defined, very little is known about their molecular basis and no diagnostic tool exists for their early detection in high-risk workers.
Methods:
To identify genes involved in this disease, we performed gene expression profiling using cancer-dedicated microarrays, on nine matched samples of sinonasal adenocarcinomas and non-tumor sinusal tissue. Microarray results were validated by quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry on two additional sets of tumors.
Results:
Among the genes with significant differential expression we selected LGALS4, ACS5, CLU, SRI and CCT5 for further exploration. The overexpression of LGALS4, ACS5, SRI, CCT5 and the downregulation of CLU were confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR. Immunohistochemistry was performed for LGALS4 (Galectin 4), ACS5 (Acyl-CoA synthetase) and CLU (Clusterin) proteins: LGALS4 was highly up-regulated, particularly in the most differentiated tumors, while CLU was lost in all tumors. The expression of ACS5, was more heterogeneous and no correlation was observed with the tumor type.
Conclusion:
Within our microarray study in sinonasal adenocarcinoma we identified two proteins, LGALS4 and CLU, that were significantly differentially expressed in tumors compared to normal tissue. A further evaluation on a new set of tissues, including precancerous stages and low grade tumors, is necessary to evaluate the possibility of using them as diagnostic markers.
Insights
Researchers identified LGALS4 and CLU proteins as differentially expressed in sinonasal adenocarcinoma. Further studies are needed to assess their potential as early diagnostic markers for high-risk workers exposed to wood dust.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Sinonasal adenocarcinomas are rare tumors linked to wood dust exposure.
- The molecular basis of these tumors remains largely unknown.
- Early diagnostic tools for high-risk individuals are currently unavailable.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify genes and proteins involved in sinonasal adenocarcinoma development.
- To explore potential molecular markers for early cancer detection.
Main Methods:
- Gene expression profiling using cancer-dedicated microarrays on tumor and non-tumor tissues.
- Validation of microarray findings through quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry.
Main Results:
- LGALS4 (Galectin 4) was significantly overexpressed, especially in differentiated tumors.
- CLU (Clusterin) expression was lost in all analyzed tumors.
- ACS5 (Acyl-CoA synthetase) showed heterogeneous expression without clear correlation to tumor type.
Conclusions:
- LGALS4 and CLU are significantly differentially expressed in sinonasal adenocarcinoma.
- These proteins show potential as diagnostic markers.
- Further research including precancerous and low-grade tumors is required to validate their diagnostic utility.
