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Hsp27 expression in neuroblastoma: correlation with disease stage
D R Ungar1, N Hailat, J R Strahler
1Department of Pediatric Hematology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor.
Journal of the National Cancer Institute
|May 18, 1994
Summary
High heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27) levels in neuroblastoma tumors correlate with limited stage disease and neuronal differentiation. This suggests Hsp27 may indicate a favorable prognosis in neuroblastoma patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27) is differentially expressed in various cancers.
- Elevated Hsp27 in breast carcinoma is linked to poorer disease-free survival.
- Variable Hsp27 levels are observed in neuroblastoma tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between Hsp27 expression and disease stage in neuroblastoma.
- To determine the correlation between Hsp27 levels and N-myc gene copy number in neuroblastoma.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) to measure Hsp27 protein levels in 53 neuroblastoma tumors and 17 cell lines.
- Statistical analysis to correlate Hsp27 levels with disease stage and N-myc gene copy number.
- Immunohistochemical staining and in vitro neuronal differentiation assays.
Main Results:
- Increased Hsp27 expression was associated with limited stage neuroblastoma.
- Hsp27 levels showed an inverse correlation with N-myc gene amplification, a marker of poor prognosis.
- Hsp27 was localized in the cytoplasm of differentiated tumor cells, and retinoic acid treatment increased Hsp27 in neuroblastoma cells.
Conclusions:
- High Hsp27 expression in neuroblastoma signifies limited stage and differentiated tumors.
- Hsp27 may play a role in the biology of neuroblastomas with a favorable clinical outcome.