Association of TGIFLX/Y mRNA expression with prostate cancer

Med Oncol. 2009;26(1):73-7. doi: 10.1007/s12032-008-9086-7. Epub 2008 Jul 29.

Abstract

Prostate cancer is the most common type of solid tumor and a leading cause of cancer-related death of men living in the developed world. In recent years, the molecular mechanisms involved in prostate cancer development and/or progression have been intensely studied and several genes have been identified. TGIFLX/Y (TGIFLX and TGIFLY) are members of the homeobox superfamily of genes whose function(s) is unknown. To investigate TGIFLX/Y mRNA expression in prostate cancer, we studied two different types of clinical samples, namely 60 prostate tumors and 15 cases of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), by RT-PCR. Our results revealed that most prostate tumors (73.5%) express at least one of these genes, although different patterns of TGIFLX/Y mRNA expression were observed. In some tumor samples the expression of both genes was detected, while in others no expression of either gene was observed. Notably, there was a significant correlation between expression of both TGIFLX and TGIFLY and a Gleason score of >or=6 (P = 0.038). By contrast, expression of TGIFLX/Y mRNA in BPH samples could not be detected. These results suggest an association of TGIFLX/Y expression with the progression of prostate cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Homeodomain Proteins* / biosynthesis
  • Homeodomain Proteins* / genetics
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prostatic Hyperplasia / genetics
  • Prostatic Hyperplasia / metabolism
  • Prostatic Hyperplasia / pathology
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / pathology
  • RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis*
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

Substances

  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • RNA, Messenger