BORIS and CTCF are overexpressed in squamous intraepithelial lesions and cervical cancer

We investigated the expression of Brother of Regulator of Imprinted Sites (BORIS) and CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) in squamous intraepithelial lesions and cervical cancer. To analyze BORIS and CTCF expression, an endocervical cytobrush sample was taken for total RNA isolation. CTCF and BORIS mRNA was quantified from total RNA using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. A total of 71 samples were collected and classified according to the Bethesda Classification of squamous intraepithelial lesions. BORIS expression was observed in 9 (12.7%) samples; of these, 5.3, 5.9, 14.8, and 37.5% in the groups that were cytology negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy, low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL), high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL), and invasive cervical carcinoma, respectively. The expression level of BORIS was significantly higher in the group with invasive cervical carcinoma as compared with the groups negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy, LSIL, and HSIL (P < 0.0005). CTCF mRNA was expressed in all samples. CTCF expression was significantly higher in carcinoma groups compared with LSIL, HSIL, and negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy groups. We found that BORIS and CTCF expressions in the LSIL and invasive cervical carcinoma groups were higher than expression in cytological normal samples. Additional studies should be conducted to examine the function of transcription factors during different stages of the transformation of cervical cancer cells.