title: Expression of endoglin in primary endometrial cancer.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Alterations in the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling cascade are engaged in the development of human neoplasms through the deregulation of proliferation, differentiation and migration. However, in endometrial cancer, the role of endoglin, which acts as an accessory receptor in the TGF-β pathway, is still unknown. The aim of our study was the evaluation of endoglin mRNA and protein expression levels in endometrial cancer as compared to normal endometrium. TGF-β(1) and TGF-β type II receptor were involved in the investigation since they directly cooperate with endoglin during signal propagation. Obtained results were correlated with clinicopathological parameters of studied material to determine endoglin contribution to tumor development and progression.
  
  
  METHODS
  mRNA level assessment was performed using real-time technique, whereas protein expression was determined by ELISA assay.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The endoglin mRNA level was not significantly altered in cancerous samples as compared to normal tissue, whereas its protein level demonstrated significant upregulation (p < 0.001) associated with increased tumor malignancy, assessed by histological grade and myometrium infiltration.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  An increase in endoglin protein expression level may interfere with the oncogenic potential of TGF-β(1) and TGF-β type II receptor in endometrial cancer. Correlation of the endoglin level with pronounced cancer malignancy suggests that it may be regarded as a potential prognostic marker of primary endometrial cancer.
authors: Department of Cytobiochemistry, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.
authors: Piotr K
authors: PK
authors: Zakrzewski
authors: Adam I
authors: AI
authors: Cygankiewicz
authors: Jacek
authors: J
authors: Mokrosiński
authors: Maria
authors: M
authors: Nowacka-Zawisza
authors: Andrzej
authors: A
authors: Semczuk
authors: Tomasz
authors: T
authors: Rechberger
authors: Wanda M
authors: WM
authors: Krajewska
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D015536:Down-Regulation; D000071063:Endoglin; D016889:Endometrial Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017346:Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics; D000077294:Receptor, Transforming Growth Factor-beta Type II; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D018125:Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D015854:Up-Regulation
chemical_list: D015703:Antigens, CD; C064206:ENG protein, human; D000071063:Endoglin; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D018125:Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1; D017346:Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases; D000077294:Receptor, Transforming Growth Factor-beta Type II