Expression of the pro-apoptotic protein ARTS in astrocytic tumors: correlation with malignancy grade and survival rate.

摘要: BACKGROUND Apoptosis (i.e., programmed cell death) plays a major role in the development of astrocytic tumors, which are most common tumors central nervous system. ARTS, proapoptotic protein that is localized mitochondria, promotes apoptosis by functioning as an XIAP antagonist and caspase activator. METHODS To investigate ARTS astrocytoma, authors examined expression apoptotic activity 72 included low-grade astrocytomas, anaplastic glioblastomas. RESULTS Whereas normal astrocytes did not express protein, astrocytoma cells strongly expressed this increased with increasing tumor grade. Furthermore, levels were significantly associated higher rates (as measured using terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase–mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end-labeling [TUNEL] assay well immunohistochemical staining for active caspase-3) these tumors. Levels two other apoptosis-related proteins, p53 Bcl-2, also methods; was found to be positively correlated former negatively latter, known possess antiapoptotic activity. CONCLUSIONS The results current study suggest reliably reflect ability undergo apoptosis, serves defense mechanism against progression astrocytoma. expression, when taken into consideration combination grade, only independent predictor survival identified analysis. Thus, conclude may utility prognostic marker, therapeutic tool, patients Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Society.