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Updated: Mar 29, 2026
Quantitation of Protein Expression and Co-localization Using Multiplexed Immuno-histochemical Staining and Multispectral Imaging
Published on: April 8, 2016
Evaluation of discoidin domain receptor-2 (DDR2) expression level in normal, benign, and malignant human prostate
Mitra Azemikhah1, Hamidreza Ahmadi Ashtiani2, Mahmoud Aghaei3
1Department of Biology, science and research branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, I.R. Iran.
Abstract:
Discoidin domain receptor (DDR) is a new member of the receptor tyrosine kinase family. There are two isoforms of discoidin domain receptor (DDR), DDR1 and DDR2. These receptors play a major role in the adhesion, motility and cell proliferation. Due to the important role of DDR2 in the development of tumor extension, this receptor is pivotal in the field of carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the mRNA and protein expression of DDR2, in the malignant, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and normal tissues of patients with prostate cancer. In this study the gene and protein expression of DDR2 in adjacent normal (n=40), BPH (n=40), and malignant (n=40) prostate tissue were measured using real-time PCR and Western blotting. Then, the correlation of DDR2 gene and protein expression with prognostic factors such as age, tumor grade, tumor stage, lymph node involvement, and serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentration were evaluated. The relative mRNA and protein expression level of DDR2 in malignant and benign prostate tissue was significantly higher than those of adjacent normal tissues (P<0.01). This expression was found to increase approximately 3.5 and 2.1 fold for mRNA and protein levels, respectively. Spearman test indicated a significant correlation between DDR2 mRNA and protein expression with prognostic factors such as tumor grade, stage, lymph node involvement, and serum PSA concentration. However, significant correlation with age was not observed. These findings suggest that DDR2 is a cancer-related gene associated with the aggressive progression of prostate cancer patients.
Insights
Discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2) is upregulated in prostate cancer tissues, correlating with aggressive tumor progression. This receptor tyrosine kinase may be a key target for prostate cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2), a receptor tyrosine kinase, is implicated in cell adhesion, motility, and proliferation.
- DDR2 plays a significant role in tumor extension and carcinogenesis, making it a critical factor in cancer development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mRNA and protein expression levels of DDR2 in normal, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and malignant prostate tissues.
- To evaluate the correlation between DDR2 expression and established prognostic factors in prostate cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative analysis of DDR2 gene and protein expression using real-time PCR and Western blotting.
- Assessment of DDR2 expression in 40 normal, 40 BPH, and 40 malignant prostate tissue samples.
- Statistical analysis using Spearman test to correlate DDR2 expression with prognostic factors.
Main Results:
- DDR2 mRNA and protein levels were significantly elevated in malignant and BPH tissues compared to normal prostate tissues (P<0.01).
- mRNA expression increased approximately 3.5-fold and protein expression 2.1-fold in cancerous tissues.
- DDR2 expression showed a significant correlation with tumor grade, stage, lymph node involvement, and serum PSA levels, but not with patient age.
Conclusions:
- DDR2 is overexpressed in prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia.
- DDR2 expression levels are associated with aggressive features and progression of prostate cancer.
- DDR2 represents a potential cancer-related biomarker and therapeutic target in prostate cancer.
