Abstract
BackgroundChromosome 4q loss of heterozygosity (LOH) is frequently observed in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC). However, this LOH has not been clearly associated with the inactivation of any tumor suppressor gene(s). As the tumor suppressor gene PTPN13 is located on chromosome 4q21, we investigated its expression in HGSOC.MethodsPTPN13 protein expression was investigated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in normal ovary epithelium and in 30 HGSOC samples, whereas PTPN13 mRNA expression was quantified by RT-PCR in another independent cohort of 28 HGSOC samples. Patients in both cohorts were followed for more than 8.5 years.ResultsPTPN13 protein expression was lower in one third of HGSOC samples compared with normal ovary epithelium. In both cohorts, high PTPN13 expression level (mRNA or protein) in the tumor was associated with favorable outcome and significantly longer survival (HR=0.27; p=0.0087 and HR=0.42; p=0.03, respectively).ConclusionThis study demonstrates, for the first time, that high PTPN13 expression level is a prognostic indicator of favorable outcome in patients with HGSOC. This finding, in conjunction with our previous mechanistic studies, suggests that PTPN13 loss, possibly by 4q LOH, enhances HGSOC aggressiveness and highlight the interest of studying PTPN13 signaling in HGSOC to identify new potential therapeutic targets.
Highlights
Epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) is the first cause of death from gynecological cancers in Western countries
PTPN13 protein expression was lower in one third of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) samples compared with normal ovary epithelium
High PTPN13 expression level in the tumor was associated with favorable outcome and significantly longer survival (HR=0.27; p=0.0087 and hazard ratios (HR)=0.42; p=0.03, respectively)
Summary
Epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) is the first cause of death from gynecological cancers in Western countries. High grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) represents 60 to 70% of all EOCs and accounts for the majority of deaths caused by EOC [1]. Median age at diagnosis (range), years PTPN13 median expression (range) FIGO stage n (%). Optimal Suboptimal Recurrence n (%) NO YES Death n (%) NO YES B: IHC cohort Median age at diagnosis (range), years PTPN13 n (%) IRS
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