Levels of expression of CYR61 and CTGF are prognostic for tumor progression and survival of individuals with gliomas

Clin Cancer Res. 2004 Mar 15;10(6):2072-81. doi: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-0659-03.

Abstract

The biological properties of CCN proteins include stimulation of cell proliferation, migration, and adhesion, as well as angiogenesis and tumorigenesis. We quantified CYR61, CTGF, WISP-1, and NOV mRNA expression levels in samples from sixty-six primary gliomas and five normal brain samples using quantitative real-time PCR assay. Statistical analysis was performed to explore the links between expression of the CCN genes and clinical and pathological parameters. Overexpression of CYR61, CTGF, WISP-1, and NOV occurred in 48% (32 of 66), 58% (38 of 66), 36% (24 of 66), and 15% (10 of 66) of primary gliomas, respectively. Interestingly, significant associations were found between CYR61 expression versus tumor grade, pathology, gender, and age at diagnosis. Also, a significant correlation existed between CTGF mRNA levels versus tumor grade, gender, and pathology. In contrast to CYR61 and CTGF, no significant association was found between expression of either WISP-1 or NOV versus any of the pathological features. Furthermore, Cox regression analysis showed that CYR61 and CTGF expression had a significant correlation with patient survival. These results suggest that CYR61 and CTGF may play a role in the progression of gliomas; their levels at diagnosis may have prognostic significance; and these proteins might serve as valuable targets for therapeutic intervention.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain Neoplasms / genetics
  • Brain Neoplasms / mortality
  • Brain Neoplasms / surgery
  • Connective Tissue Growth Factor
  • Cysteine-Rich Protein 61
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Glioma / genetics*
  • Glioma / mortality
  • Glioma / surgery
  • Humans
  • Immediate-Early Proteins / genetics*
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / genetics*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nephroblastoma Overexpressed Protein
  • Prognosis
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Survival Analysis
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • CCN1 protein, human
  • CCN2 protein, human
  • CCN3 protein, human
  • Cysteine-Rich Protein 61
  • Immediate-Early Proteins
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Nephroblastoma Overexpressed Protein
  • Connective Tissue Growth Factor