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Updated: Apr 1, 2026
Analyzing Tumor Gene Expression Factors with the CorExplorer Web Portal
Published on: October 11, 2019
High expression of AGR2 in lung cancer is predictive of poor survival
Mohammed Alavi1, Vei Mah1, Erin L Maresh1
1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Ave., Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
Background:
Anterior gradient 2 (AGR2) is a protein disulfide isomerase-like protein widely expressed in many normal tissues as well as cancers. In our study, non-neoplastic bronchial epithelial cells as well as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells express AGR2 protein.
Methods:
AGR2 expression was analyzed on lung tissue microarrays. Tumor staining was correlated with clinical outcomes.
Results:
On a lung cancer tissue microarray using immunohistochemistry, expression levels in cancer showed generally decreasing intensities in order from adenocarcinomas with mucinous components, other adenocarcinomas, squamous carcinomas, to large cell carcinomas. The study cohort was comprised of 400 cases. As a group, there was a slight trend of lower expression with increasing tumor grade. AGR2 expression level was a significant predictor of overall survival in younger patients only. Patients under 65 with lower levels showed a significantly better survival for both men and women. Patients over 65, in contrast, showed no such trend.
Conclusions:
Nearly all NSCLC tumors show AGR2 expression. Lung cancer expression of AGR2 has prognostic value for younger patients.
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