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High Jagged1 expression predicts poor outcome in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Kerong Wu1, Le Xu, Li Zhang

  • 1Department of Urology, Ningbo No. 1 Hospital, Ningbo, China. wkr1983@163.com

Japanese Journal of Clinical Oncology
|November 11, 2010
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Jagged1, a component of Notch signaling, is elevated in renal cell carcinoma and linked to poorer patient survival. This finding suggests Jagged1 may serve as an early prognostic biomarker for kidney cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • The role of Notch signaling in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) pathogenesis remains largely undefined.
  • Notch signaling is implicated in various human malignancies.
  • Jagged1 is a key ligand in the Notch pathway.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression pattern of Jagged1 in RCC.
  • To determine the clinical significance and prognostic value of Jagged1 in RCC patients.

Main Methods:

  • Western blot and RT-PCR were used to assess Jagged1 expression in RCC tissues versus normal kidney tissues.
  • Immunohistochemistry was performed on 129 RCC cases.
  • Clinicopathological data were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier, log-rank tests, and Cox proportional hazard models.

Main Results:

  • Jagged1 protein and mRNA levels were significantly higher in RCC tissues compared to normal tissues.
  • Elevated Jagged1 expression correlated with larger tumor size, higher nuclear grade, and advanced TNM stage.
  • High Jagged1 expression was associated with reduced overall survival and disease-free survival, particularly in early-stage RCC.

Conclusions:

  • Notch signaling, via Jagged1, likely contributes to RCC progression.
  • Jagged1 expression serves as a potential prognostic biomarker for RCC, especially in early stages.

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