CASC2a Gene is Down-regulated in Endometrial Cancer

Background: Chromosome 10q25-q26 has been strongly correlated to endometrial tumorigenesis. A novel human gene, CASC2, has previously been identified at chromosome 10q26. One out of the three alternative transcripted forms, CASC2a, has been demonstrated to be mutated at a low frequency in endometria...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Anticancer research 2007-01, Vol.27 (1A), p.235-243
Main Authors: BALDINU, Paola, COSSU, Antonio, PALMIERI, Giuseppe, MANCA, Antonella, SATTA, Maria P, SINI, Maria C, PALOMBA, Grazia, DESSOLE, Salvatore, CHERCHI, Pierluigi, MARA, Laura, TANDA, Francesco
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Base Sequence
Biological and medical sciences
Down-Regulation
Endometrial Neoplasms - genetics
Endometrial Neoplasms - metabolism
Female
Female genital diseases
Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics
Humans
Medical sciences
Molecular Sequence Data
Mutation
RNA, Messenger - biosynthesis
RNA, Messenger - genetics
Transfection
Tumor Suppressor Proteins - biosynthesis
Tumor Suppressor Proteins - genetics
Tumors
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Summary:Background: Chromosome 10q25-q26 has been strongly correlated to endometrial tumorigenesis. A novel human gene, CASC2, has previously been identified at chromosome 10q26. One out of the three alternative transcripted forms, CASC2a, has been demonstrated to be mutated at a low frequency in endometrial cancer (EC). In this study, the role of the CASC2a gene in cancer has been further defined. Materials and Methods: Tumour and corresponding normal tissues were analysed for CASC2a mRNA expression by real-time RT-PCR and mutation status by PCR-based approaches. Results: A significantly decreased level of CASC2a transcripts was observed in 13/17 (76%) EC tissues, as well as in 6/9 (67%) colorectal cancers. Exogenous expression of CASC2a in undifferentiated AN3CA endometrial cancer cells inhibited cellular growth in anchorage-independent growth assays. Finally, infrequent CASC2a mutations were able to impair the gene function. Conclusion: Altogether, our findings strongly suggest that CASC2a may act as a tumour suppressor gene, with both epigenetic and genetic alterations concurring to gene inactivation. Down-regulation of CASC2a may provide a growth advantage in EC cells.
ISSN:0250-7005
1791-7530