DJ-1 in Endometrial Cancer: A Possible Biomarker to Improve Differential Diagnosis Between Subtypes. Issue 4 (1st May 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Morelli, Michele; Scumaci, Domenica; Di Cello, Annalisa; Venturella, Roberta; Donato, Giuseppe; Faniello, Maria Concetta; Quaresima, Barbara; Cuda, Giovanni; Zullo, Fulvio; Costanzo, Francesco
• Is Part Of: International journal of gynecological cancer. Volume 24:Issue 4(2014)
• Page Start: 649
• Page End: 658
• Publication Date: 2014-05-01
• Subjects: Endometrial cancer -- DJ-1 -- ANXA2 shorter isoform -- Subtype-specific diagnosis -- Immunohistochemical profile; Generative organs, Female -- Cancer -- Periodicals; 616.99465
• DOI: 10.1097/IGC.0000000000000102
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1048-891X

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: The objectives of this study were to characterize the well-defined endometrial cancer (EC) type I (endometrioid [EEC] G1-G2) versus the prototype of EC type II (serous [ESC]) and to evaluate the expression of specific biomarkers differentially expressed between 2 well-defined types, in those EC subtypes (such as EEC G3) disputed between types I and II. Methods: Data from 25 patients (10 EEC G1-G2, 8 EEC G3, 5 ESC, and 2 clear cell) submitted to the surgical treatment were collected. Two-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry (MS) analysis were performed on 5 EEC G1-G2 and 5 healthy endometrial samples of the same patients. Differentially expressed proteins, such as DJ-1, were validated by Western blot. In patients with EEC G1-G2, serum levels of DJ-1, an overexpressed oncoprotein related to EC pathogenesis and progression, were evaluated and then compared with levels identified in patients with ESC and healthy controls. The DJ-1 immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed on neoplastic and healthy endometrium collected from the same patients. The 8 stored samples of EEC G3 were submitted to DJ-1 IHC assays. Results: The 2-dimensional electrophoresis analysis identified 1040 protein spots differentially expressed in EEC G1-G2 compared with healthy endometrium. Forty-two spots were subjected to liquid chromatography–MS/MS analysis. Thirty-three up-regulated (like an annexin 2 [ANXA2] shorter isoform, CAPG [macrophage-capping protein], DJ-1/PARK7) and 9 down-regulated (like calreticulin and ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase isozyme L1) proteins were identified and validated by Western blot. A significant increase in serum DJ-1 levels of EEC G1-G2 versus the healthy controls and in ESC versus EEC patients was observed. DJ-1 IHC score was significantly higher in ESC versus those EEC G1-G2. In 3 cases of EEC G3, the DJ-1 expression was similar to the ESC subtype. Conclusions: The identification of proteins, such as DJ-1, differentially expressed, between well-defined EC types I and II allows to make a subtype-specific presurgical diagnosis and help surgeon to safely preoperatively choose a proper surgical treatment.