Abstract
Background:The aim of this study was to determine whether Src family kinases (SFK) are expressed in renal cell cancer and to assess their prognostic significance.Methods:mRNA expression levels were investigated for the 8 SFK members by quantitative real-time PCR in 19 clear cell cancer tissue samples. Immunohistochemical staining was utilised to assess expression of Src kinase, dephosphorylated Src kinase at Y530 (SrcY530), phosphorylated Src at Y419 (SrcY419) and the downstream focal adhesion kinase (FAK) marker at the Y861 site (FAK Y861) in a cohort of 57 clear cell renal cancer specimens. Expression was assessed using the weighted histoscore method.Results:Src, Lyn, Hck, Fgr and Fyn were the most highly expressed in renal cancer. All members were more highly expressed in T2 disease, and furthermore expression levels between T2 and T3 disease showed a significant decrease for Lck, Lyn, Fyn, Blk and Yes (P=0.032). Assessment of membrane, cytoplasm and nuclear expression of Src kinase, SrcY530 and SrcY419 were not significantly associated with cancer-specific survival. High expression of cytoplasmic FAK Y861 was associated with decreased cancer-specific survival (P=0.001). On multivariate analysis, cytoplasmic FAK Y861 was independently associated with cancer-specific survival (hazard ratio 3.35, 95% CI 1.40–7.98, P=0.006).Conclusion:We have reported that all SFK members are expressed in renal cell carcinoma. The SFK members had their highest levels of expression before the disease no longer being organ confined. We hypothesise that these SFK members are upregulated before the cancer spreading out-with the organ and given that Src itself is not associated with cancer-specific survival but the presence of FAK Y861, a downstream marker for SFK member activity is associated with decreased cancer-specific survival, we hypothesise that another SFK member is associated with decreased cancer-specific survival in renal cell cancer.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
