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Gene Regulation and Targeted Therapy in Gastric Cancer Peritoneal Metastasis: Radiological Findings from Dual Energy CT and PET/CT
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Low expression of CDK12 in gastric cancer is correlated with advanced stage and poor outcome

Meijia Liu1, Haonan Fan1, Tianfu Li2

  • 1Laboratory of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, No.58 of Zhongshan 2nd Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou 510080, China.

Pathology, Research and Practice
|June 15, 2020
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Cyclin-dependent kinase 12 (CDK12) is decreased in gastric cancer (GC) and linked to worse survival. These findings suggest CDK12 acts as a tumor suppressor in GC, offering potential therapeutic targets.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Cyclin-dependent kinase 12 (CDK12) is a key regulator of transcription and DNA damage response.
  • CDK12's role in gastric cancer (GC) is not well understood, with conflicting reports in other cancers.
  • CDK12 has been implicated as both a tumor suppressor and oncogene.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression and prognostic significance of CDK12 in gastric cancer.
  • To determine the correlation between CDK12 expression and clinicopathological features of GC.
  • To explore the potential role of CDK12 as a tumor suppressor in GC.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of CDK12 mRNA expression using GEO database and qPCR in GC cell lines.
  • Assessment of CDK12 protein expression via immunohistochemistry in 177 GC patient tissues.
  • Statistical analysis including correlation with clinicopathological features and survival, and multivariate Cox regression.

Main Results:

  • CDK12 mRNA and protein expression were significantly decreased in GC tissues compared to non-tumor tissues.
  • Low CDK12 expression correlated with organ metastasis, poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, and advanced stage.
  • Low CDK12 expression was an independent prognostic factor for worse overall survival in GC patients.

Conclusions:

  • CDK12 is frequently down-regulated in gastric cancer.
  • Reduced CDK12 expression is associated with aggressive clinicopathological features and poor prognosis.
  • CDK12 may function as a tumor suppressor in gastric cancer, representing a potential therapeutic target.
Keywords:
CDK12Cyclin-dependent kinase 12Gastric cancerPrognosis

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