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Expression of endoglin in primary endometrial cancer
Piotr K Zakrzewski1, Adam I Cygankiewicz, Jacek Mokrosiński
1Department of Cytobiochemistry, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.
Objective:
Alterations in the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling cascade are engaged in the development of human neoplasms through the deregulation of proliferation, differentiation and migration. However, in endometrial cancer, the role of endoglin, which acts as an accessory receptor in the TGF-β pathway, is still unknown. The aim of our study was the evaluation of endoglin mRNA and protein expression levels in endometrial cancer as compared to normal endometrium. TGF-β(1) and TGF-β type II receptor were involved in the investigation since they directly cooperate with endoglin during signal propagation. Obtained results were correlated with clinicopathological parameters of studied material to determine endoglin contribution to tumor development and progression.
Methods:
mRNA level assessment was performed using real-time technique, whereas protein expression was determined by ELISA assay.
Results:
The endoglin mRNA level was not significantly altered in cancerous samples as compared to normal tissue, whereas its protein level demonstrated significant upregulation (p < 0.001) associated with increased tumor malignancy, assessed by histological grade and myometrium infiltration.
Conclusions:
An increase in endoglin protein expression level may interfere with the oncogenic potential of TGF-β(1) and TGF-β type II receptor in endometrial cancer. Correlation of the endoglin level with pronounced cancer malignancy suggests that it may be regarded as a potential prognostic marker of primary endometrial cancer.
Insights
Endoglin protein expression is significantly upregulated in endometrial cancer, correlating with increased malignancy. This suggests endoglin may serve as a prognostic marker for this cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Signaling
Background:
- Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling is crucial in neoplasm development.
- Endoglin's role as a TGF-β accessory receptor in endometrial cancer is unexplored.
- Investigating endoglin's contribution to endometrial cancer progression is warranted.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate endoglin mRNA and protein expression in endometrial cancer versus normal endometrium.
- To assess the correlation between endoglin levels and clinicopathological parameters.
- To determine endoglin's role in endometrial cancer development and progression.
Main Methods:
- Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for mRNA analysis.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for protein expression quantification.
- Correlation analysis with histological grade and myometrium infiltration.
Main Results:
- Endoglin mRNA levels showed no significant difference between cancerous and normal tissues.
- Endoglin protein levels were significantly upregulated in endometrial cancer (p < 0.001).
- Upregulated endoglin protein correlated with higher tumor malignancy (histological grade, myometrium infiltration).
Conclusions:
- Increased endoglin protein may modulate the oncogenic potential of TGF-β(1) and TGF-β type II receptor in endometrial cancer.
- Endoglin protein expression correlates with advanced endometrial cancer malignancy.
- Endoglin shows potential as a prognostic marker for primary endometrial cancer.
