Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 26, 2026

Merging Absolute and Relative Quantitative PCR Data to Quantify STAT3 Splice Variant Transcripts
11:19

Merging Absolute and Relative Quantitative PCR Data to Quantify STAT3 Splice Variant Transcripts

Published on: October 9, 2016

16.1K

Evaluation of survivin splice variants in pituitary tumors

Joanna Waligórska-Stachura1, Mirosław Andrusiewicz, Nadia Sawicka-Gutaj

  • 1Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Przybyszewski Street 49, 60-355, Poznań, Poland, joanna.stachura@gmail.com.

Pituitary
|August 10, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Survivin and its splice variants are expressed in pituitary tumors and normal tissues, but levels do not differ significantly. This suggests survivin (apoptosis inhibitor) is not a key factor in pituitary tumor development.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Survivin, an apoptosis inhibitor, is upregulated in many human cancers.
  • Survivin gene splice variants with varying anti-apoptotic activities have been identified.
  • Understanding survivin expression in pituitary tumors is crucial for tumorigenesis research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate survivin and its splice variants (∆Ex3, 2β) expression in pituitary tumors.
  • To correlate transcript levels with clinical staging and invasiveness of pituitary adenomas.
  • To compare expression in tumor tissues versus normal pituitary glands.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) using TaqMan probes.
  • Analysis of 50 pituitary tumors (non-functional, GH-, PRL-, ACTH-secreting) and 12 normal pituitary tissues.
  • Inclusion of thyroid cancer tissues as a positive control.

Main Results:

  • Survivin and its splice variants (∆Ex3, 2β) were detected in both pituitary adenomas and normal pituitary tissues.
  • Expression levels of survivin and its variants were similar across all studied pituitary samples.
  • Patient age showed a negative correlation with tumor invasiveness and diameter.

Conclusions:

  • No significant differences in survivin or its splice variants expression were observed between pituitary tumors and normal tissues.
  • Expression levels did not differ between invasive and non-invasive pituitary tumors.
  • Survivin does not appear to play a significant role in pituitary tumorigenesis.

More Related Videos

Using the E1A Minigene Tool to Study mRNA Splicing Changes10:25

Using the E1A Minigene Tool to Study mRNA Splicing Changes

Published on: April 22, 2021

4.5K
Using RNA-sequencing to Detect Novel Splice Variants Related to Drug Resistance in In Vitro Cancer Models09:58

Using RNA-sequencing to Detect Novel Splice Variants Related to Drug Resistance in In Vitro Cancer Models

Published on: December 9, 2016

13.4K

Related Concept Videos

Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes01:05

Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
7.8K
Tumor Progression02:07

Tumor Progression

Tumor progression is a phenomenon where the pre-formed tumor acquires successive mutations to become clinically more aggressive and malignant. In the 1950s, Foulds first described the stepwise progression of cancer cells through successive stages.
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
6.2K
Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology01:19

Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology

Cortisol production is normally governed by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which maintains hormonal balance through tightly regulated feedback mechanisms. Disruption of this regulatory system is central to the development of Cushing syndrome, whether the excess cortisol originates from external medications or internal pathology. Persistent cortisol elevation alters metabolism, immune function, and endocrine signaling, producing the characteristic clinical features...
15
Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions01:12

Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions

Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
When the tumor suppressor genes develop mutations or are lost, cells start growing out of control, leading to cancer. However, a single functional copy of the tumor suppressor gene is enough for the cells to maintain their normal functions and cell...
4.9K
PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway01:22

PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway

The mammalian target of rapamycin  (mTOR) is a serine/threonine kinase that regulates growth, proliferation, and cell survival in response to hormones, growth factors, or nutrient availability. This kinase exists in two structurally and functionally distinct forms: mTOR complex 1  (mTORC1) and mTOR complex 2  (mTORC2). The first form (mTORC1) is composed of a rapamycin-sensitive Raptor and proline-rich Akt substrate, PRAS40. In contrast,  mTORC2 consists of a...
5.1K
RNA Splicing01:32

RNA Splicing

Splicing is the process by which eukaryotic RNA is edited before its translation into protein. The RNA strand transcribed from eukaryotic DNA is called the primary transcript. The primary transcripts that become mRNAs are called precursor messenger RNAs (pre-mRNAs). Eukaryotic pre-mRNA contains alternating sequences of exons and introns. Exons are nucleotide sequences that code for proteins, whereas introns are the non-coding regions. In RNA splicing, introns are removed and exons are bonded...
53.3K