Abstract B026: Expression levels of chaperonin containing TCP1 in cancer are among the highest in sarcomas

Abstract

Abstract Protein folding complexes are essential for oncogenesis. Of these, the multi-subunit complex, Chaperonin-Containing TCP-1 (CCT or TRiC), is upregulated across a spectrum of cancers and folds many of the oncoproteins that drive cancer growth. Using the UCSC Xena online database, which includes datasets from TCGA, TARGET, GTEx, and KidsFirst, we found significant increases in gene expression of the subunits (CCT1-8) that form the chaperonin complex in sarcomas, both adult and pediatric, as compared to other cancers like invasive breast carcinoma, lung carcinoma, glioblastoma multiforme, or prostate cancer. Most notably was the high expression of the second subunit (CCT2) in Rhabdomyosarcoma compared to other pediatric cancers. These findings were confirmed with other databases (e.g., Oncomine). Expression of CCT subunits, like CCT2, was decreased in normal tissues, such as muscle, kidney, and uterus, as compared to sarcoma tissues. Bioinformatic data was confirmed by finding detectable staining of CCT2 protein in sarcoma tissues. This was supported by data from the human protein atlas showing minimal staining for CCT2 in normal smooth and skeletal muscle. Cancer adjacent tissues from a metastatic breast cancer patient study had minimal staining for CCT2 in muscle, fat, and bone. These data show that CCT is increased in sarcomas, while decreased in normal tissues, and has potential for further study as a driver of sarcoma development and a target for therapeutic intervention. Citation Format: Amanda J. Cox, Annette Khaled. Expression levels of chaperonin containing TCP1 in cancer are among the highest in sarcomas [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Sarcomas; 2022 May 9-12; Montreal, QC, Canada. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2022;28(18_Suppl):Abstract nr B026.