Construction of biomarker in urological cancer targeting the O-glycan

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24791631
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Urology
• Research Institution: Hirosaki University
• Principal Investigator: Tobisawa Yuki 弘前大学, 医学(系)研究科(研究院), 助教 (70623768)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: 糖転移酵素 / 糖鎖生物学 / バイオマーカー / 前立腺癌

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Core2 β-1,6-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase-1 (GCNT1) is a key enzyme that forms core 2-branched O-glycans.Paraffin-embedded PCa specimens were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for GCNT1 expression. GCNT1-negative tumors were associated with significantly better prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-free survival compared with GCNT1-positive tumors. Multivariate analysis revealed that detection of GCNT1 expression was an independent risk factor for PSA recurrence. We established new methods for GCNT1 detection from PCa specimens. Immunoblotting was used to examine post-digital rectal examination (DRE) urine from PCa patients. Over 90% of GCNT1-positive PCa patients with high concentrations of PSA showed extracapsular extension. In conclusion, GCNT1 expression closely associates with the aggressive potential of PCa. Further research aims to develop GCNT1 detection in post-DRE urine as a marker for PCa aggressiveness.

Free Research Field

泌尿器科学