Engrailed-2 is down-regulated but also ectopically expressed in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Mol Biol Rep. 2014 Jun;41(6):3651-7. doi: 10.1007/s11033-014-3229-z. Epub 2014 Feb 16.

Abstract

Engrailed-2 (EN2), a member of the homeobox family of genes, encodes a homeodomain-containing transcription factor that is thought to be a potential oncogene in a number of cancers. Because the role of EN2 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC) has not been determined, we investigated its expression in CCRCC tissues and cell lines. Using immunohistochemical (IHC) staining, we found that EN2 protein was expressed in normal renal cells and tubules, but was frequently down-regulated in tissues from patients with CCRCC and in CCRCC cell lines. In addition, we found that EN2, which functions in the nucleus, was completely localized to the cytoplasm of CCRCC cells as detected by IHC and immunofluorescence staining. Furthermore, expression of EN2 protein was negatively correlated with increasing histological grade of CCRCC tumors (P = 0.003). The exact role of EN2 expression in renal carcinoma carcinogenesis requires further investigation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / genetics*
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / pathology
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Homeodomain Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Homeodomain Proteins / genetics
  • Humans
  • Kidney Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics

Substances

  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • engrailed 2 protein