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Updated: Jun 4, 2026
Detection of Targetable Alterations in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer using Next-generation Sequencing
Published on: October 10, 2025
[Detection of MTAP protein and gene expression in non-small cell lung cancer]
Shasha Li1, Yijun Zhang, Hongli Li
1Department of Pharmacology, Weifang Medical College, Weifang 261053, China.
Background And Objective:
The abnormal expression of MTAP, a tumor suppressor gene, is found in a variety of tumor tissues. The aim of this study is to detect the expression of MTAP mRNA protein and the clinical significance for the therapy of non-small cell lung cancer tissue (NSCLC).
Methods:
The expression of MTAP protein was detected by immunohistochemistry in 52 cases of NSCLC patients. The relative expression MTAP mRNA was detected by real-time quantitative PCR.
Results:
The expression of MTAP protein in NSCLC tissue was significantly lower than that in paracarcinomous tissue and borderline lung tissue respectively (t=10.283, 10.940, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference among gender, age, smoking history, histology except differentiation (t=2.310, P=0.025). The MTAP mRNA relative expression in NSCLC tissue was significantly lower than that in paracarcinomous tissue (t=9.902, P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
Downregulation of MTAP protein and gene expression is correlated to the oncogenesis and progression of NSCLC.
Insights
Methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP) is downregulated in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This reduced MTAP expression correlates with cancer development and progression, suggesting its role in NSCLC oncogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Context:
- Abnormal expression of the tumor suppressor gene MTAP is observed in various cancers.
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a major global health concern.
- Understanding molecular markers is crucial for effective NSCLC therapy.
Purpose:
- To investigate the expression levels of MTAP protein and mRNA in NSCLC tissues.
- To determine the clinical significance of MTAP expression in NSCLC.
- To explore the correlation between MTAP expression and NSCLC oncogenesis and progression.
Summary:
- Immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative PCR were used to analyze MTAP protein and mRNA expression in 52 NSCLC cases.
- MTAP protein expression was significantly lower in NSCLC tissues compared to adjacent non-cancerous lung tissues.
- MTAP mRNA relative expression was also significantly reduced in NSCLC tissues.
Impact:
- The findings indicate a significant downregulation of MTAP in NSCLC.
- Reduced MTAP expression is linked to the development and progression of non-small cell lung cancer.
- MTAP may serve as a potential biomarker for NSCLC diagnosis and therapy.
