Protein kinase C eta is associated with progression of renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
BACKGROUND
The expression of all eleven PKC-isoforms in clear cell RCCs (ccRCC) and in the corresponding normal renal tissue was quantified. A possible association of PKC-isoforms with histopathological parameters was examined.


METHODS
Proteins were isolated from tumor and normal tissue of 43 patients with ccRCC. Expression of PKC-isoforms were quantified by Western blot analysis.


RESULTS
In both, ccRCCs and the corresponding normal renal tissue, all PKC-isoforms apart from PKC gamma and theta were detectable. Striking associations between PKC-isoforms and histopathological parameters were observed: (i) a 3-fold increase in PKC eta of grade 3 and 4 versus grade 1 and 2 tumors (p = 0.025), (ii) a decrease of PKC alpha in tumor versus normal tissue of 18% (p = 0.020) and (iii) a 20% increase of PKC zeta in grade 3 and 4 versus grade 1 and 2 tumors (p = 0.092).


CONCLUSIONS
The major result is a clear correlation of PKC eta expression with tumor progression. This observation-is in agreement with the known oncogenic properties of PKC eta. Similarly, oncogenic PKC zeta also increased with tumor progression. PKC alpha, with known tumor-suppressor properties, was decreased in ccRCC versus normal tissue. These findings may become important for both classification and treatment of ccRCC.
Brenner
Walburgis
W
Department of Urology, University of Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany. brenner@mail.uni-mainz.de
Färber
Gloria
G
Herget
Thomas
T
Wiesner
Christoph
C
Hengstler
Jan G
JG
Thüroff
Joachim W
JW
D015153:Blotting, Western; D002292:Carcinoma, Renal Cell / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology*; D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D007527:Isoenzymes / Q000096:biosynthesis; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology*; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011493:Protein Kinase C / Q000096:biosynthesis*
D007527:Isoenzymes; C081975:protein kinase C eta; D011493:Protein Kinase C