Differential expression of WNT5A long and short isoforms in non-muscle-invasive bladder urothelial carcinoma

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Cell Signaling

Background:

• Wnt ligands are secreted glycoproteins crucial for cell signaling.
• WNT5A, a non-canonical Wnt, activates planar cell polarity and Ca2+ pathways.
• Aberrant WNT5A expression is implicated in various diseases, including cancer and inflammatory conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the expression of WNT5A-Short (WNT5A-S) and WNT5A-Long (WNT5A-L) isoforms in bladder urothelial carcinoma (UC).
• To determine the potential association of WNT5A isoform expression with tumor grade and invasion depth.

Main Methods:

• Histological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed.
• Molecular methods were used to assess WNT5A isoform expression.
• Expression levels were analyzed in UC cell lines and patient tumor tissues.

Main Results:

• WNT5A-L was the predominant isoform in normal urothelial cells and UC.
• WNT5A-S was also detected in UC tissues.
• A higher percentage of WNT5A-S transcripts was observed in tumors invading the lamina propria compared to non-invading tumors.

Conclusions:

• Both WNT5A-S and WNT5A-L isoforms are expressed in bladder urothelial carcinoma.
• Increased WNT5A-S transcription may be linked to lamina propria invasion, a precursor to muscle invasion in UC.