Expression of transketolase-like 1 and activation of Akt in grade IV glioblastomas compared with grades II and III astrocytic gliomas.
Transketolases link the Embden-Meyerhof pathway to the pentose phosphate pathway. An influence of p-Akt on this metabolism was described. This study was performed to compare the expression of transketolase-like 1 (TKTL1) and p-Akt in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and other astrocytic gliomas (AGs, grades II and III). We analyzed 15 GBMs, 15 AGs (grade II), and 3 normal brain samples for TKTL1 expression by semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting and 23 GBMs, 9 grade III AGs, and 7 grade II AGs immunohistochemically (TKTL1 and p-Akt). On the protein level, TKTL1 was significantly overexpressed in tumors. Immunohistochemically, the tumor grade significantly correlated with expression of TKTL1. Compared with grades II and III AGs, GBMs showed higher expression of TKTL1, more positive tumors, and a higher percentage of positive tumor cells. The percentage of positive cells for TKTL1 and p-Akt was significantly correlated. These observations could lead to additional therapeutic options targeting a specific blockade of TKTL1 enzyme activity.
Institute of Pathology, Julius Maximillians University, Würzburg, Germany.
Hans-Ullrich
HU
Völker
Carsten
C
Hagemann
Johannes
J
Coy
Rainer
R
Wittig
Stephanie
S
Sommer
Jelena
J
Stojic
Imme
I
Haubitz
Giles Hamilton
GH
Vince
Ulrike
U
Kämmerer
Camelia-Maria
CM
Monoranu
D001254:Astrocytoma / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology; D004789:Enzyme Activation; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D005909:Glioblastoma / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D051057:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt / Q000378:metabolism*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D014174:Transketolase / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D015854:Up-Regulation
D012333:RNA, Messenger; C505431:TKTL1 protein, human; D014174:Transketolase; D051057:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt