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Updated: Jun 1, 2026
Translational Orthotopic Models of Glioblastoma Multiforme
Published on: February 17, 2023
AXIN-1 protein expression and localization in glioblastoma
Nives Pećina-Slaus1, Tamara Nikuseva Martić, Tomislav Kokotović
1University of Zagreb, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, Laboratory of Neurooncology, Zagreb, Croatia. nina@mef.hr
Abstract:
The etiology and pathogenesis of tumors of the central nervous system are still inadequately explained. In the present study the expression patterns of a critical molecular component of wnt signaling pathway - axin I was investigated in 42 patients with glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of glial tumors. Immunostaining and image analysis revealed the quantity and localization of the protein. Downregulation of this tumor suppressor expression was observed in 31% of tumors when compared to the levels of axin in healthy brain tissues. Axin was observed in the cytoplasm in 69% of glioblastoma samples, in 21.4% in both the cytoplasm and nucleus and 9.5% had expression solely in the nucleus. Mean values of relative axin's expression obtained by image analysis showed that the highest relative quantity of axin was measured when the protein was in the nucleus and the lowest relative quantity of axin when the protein was localized in the cytoplasm. Investigation on axin's existence at the subcellular level in glioblastomas suggests that axin's expression and spatial regulation is a dynamic process. Despite increasing knowledge on glioma biology and genetics, the prognostic tools for glioblastoma still need improvement. Our findings on expression of axin 1 may contribute to better understanding of glioblastoma molecular profile.
Insights
Axin 1, a key Wnt signaling molecule, shows altered expression in glioblastoma, a severe brain tumor. This tumor suppressor
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Glioblastoma is the most aggressive primary brain tumor.
- The molecular mechanisms driving glioblastoma pathogenesis remain incompletely understood.
- The Wnt signaling pathway plays a critical role in cell growth and differentiation, and its dysregulation is implicated in various cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression patterns and subcellular localization of axin 1 in glioblastoma.
- To determine if axin 1 expression is altered in glioblastoma compared to healthy brain tissue.
- To explore the potential of axin 1 as a biomarker for glioblastoma.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry and image analysis were used to quantify axin 1 protein levels.
- Expression levels and subcellular localization (cytoplasm and nucleus) of axin 1 were analyzed in 42 glioblastoma samples.
- Comparison of axin 1 expression in tumor tissues versus healthy brain tissues.
Main Results:
- Downregulation of axin 1 expression was observed in 31% of glioblastoma samples compared to healthy brain tissue.
- Axin 1 was predominantly found in the cytoplasm (69%) of glioblastoma cells, with some nuclear and dual localization.
- Higher relative axin 1 quantity was associated with nuclear localization, while lower quantity was associated with cytoplasmic localization.
Conclusions:
- Axin 1 expression and its spatial regulation are dynamic processes in glioblastoma.
- Altered axin 1 expression may contribute to glioblastoma development and progression.
- Understanding axin 1's role could enhance the molecular profiling and potentially improve prognostic tools for glioblastoma.
