title: POLR2F, ATP6V0A1 and PRNP expression in colorectal cancer: new molecules with prognostic significance?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  DNA-directed RNA polymerase II subunit F (POLR2F), a subunit of the V0 domain of the vacuolar ATPase (ATP6V0A1) and the prion protein (PRNP) are molecules of potential importance in carcinogenesis and targeted cancer therapy. However, their expression has not been studied in colorectal carcinomas.
  
  
  METHODS
  Expression microarray data were analyzed using a novel computational tool to reveal elevated levels of POLR2F, ATP6V0A1 and PRNP in relapsed colorectal carcinoma patients. The mRNA levels of POLR2F, ATP6V0A1 and PRNP were evaluated by quantitative RT-PCR in 70 colorectal carcinomas and 17 normal tissue specimens and were correlated with clinicopathological parameters.
  
  
  RESULTS
  POLR2F and PRNP were up-regulated in colorectal carcinomas. Moreover, a significant difference in the expression levels of all three molecules between the right colon and the rectum was observed. High expression levels of POLR2F and ATP6V0A1 correlated with improved 3-year survival. Moreover, PRNP expression constituted an independent prognostic factor of the 3-year survival in multivariate analysis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  POLR2F and PRNP exhibited elevated levels in carcinomas compared to normal tissue samples suggesting a possible role for these molecules in colorectal cancer. The association of the three molecules with survival or disease prognosis warrants further investigation.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Oncology Laboratory, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras, Greece.
authors.forename: Anna G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Antonacopoulou
authors.forename: Petros D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Grivas
authors.forename: Lambros
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Skarlas
authors.forename: Melpomeni
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kalofonos
authors.forename: Chrisoula D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Scopa
authors.forename: Haralabos P
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Kalofonos
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D012321:DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D000072002:Prion Proteins; D011328:Prions / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D011379:Prognosis; D012319:RNA Polymerase II / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D025262:Vacuolar Proton-Translocating ATPases / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: C512656:PRNP protein, human; D000072002:Prion Proteins; D011328:Prions; D012333:RNA, Messenger; C529315:POLR2F protein, human; D012319:RNA Polymerase II; D012321:DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases; C529316:ATP6V0A1 protein, human; D025262:Vacuolar Proton-Translocating ATPases