The Role of ISL1 and LHX5 LIM Homeobox Genes in Bladder Tumourigenesis.

Mohd Khairul Anuar Md Akhir,Maizaton Atmadini Abdullah,Chan Soon Choy,Fauzah Abd Ghani,Abhi Veerakumarasivam,Huzlinda Hussin

doi:10.21315/mjms2020.27.1.4

Abstract

IntroductionLin-11, Isl-1 and Mec-3 domains (LIM) homeobox genes are among the most important sub-families of homeobox genes. These genes are thought to play an important role in cancer. In this study, the protein expression of these genes was examined in urothelial carcinoma of the bladder. The expression pattern of Islet-1 (ISL1) and LIM homeobox 5 (LHX5) across different cancer stages and grades, as well as the association between the protein expression of these genes and patient demographics and clinicopathological features, were examined.MethodsA total of 100 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded urothelial carcinoma tissues were selected from the Department of Pathology, Hospital Kuala Lumpur and the protein expression of ISL1 and LHX5 was determined using immunohistochemistry.ResultsPositive expression of ISL1 and LHX5 was detected in 94% and 98% of the samples, respectively. There were no distinct LHX5 expression patterns associated with different cancer stages, but the proportion of high-expressing tumours was higher in high-grade tumours. In addition, there was a significant association between the expression of LHX5 and tumour grade. The proportion of tumours expressing high levels of ISL1 was found to be highest in later stage tumours.ConclusionThe high percentage of tumours expressing both these genes suggests that ISL1 and LHX5 play an important role in bladder tumourigenesis across multiple stages.

Highlights

Lin-11, Isl-1 and Mec-3 domains (LIM) homeobox genes are among the most important sub-families of homeobox genes
There were no distinct LIM homeobox 5 (LHX5) expression patterns associated with different cancer stages, but the proportion of high-expressing tumours was higher in high-grade tumours
The high percentage of tumours expressing both these genes suggests that ISL1 and LHX5 play an important role in bladder tumourigenesis across multiple stages

Summary

Introduction

Lin-11, Isl-1 and Mec-3 domains (LIM) homeobox genes are among the most important sub-families of homeobox genes These genes are thought to play an important role in cancer. The expression pattern of Islet-1 (ISL1) and LIM homeobox 5 (LHX5) across different cancer stages and grades, as well as the association between the protein expression of these genes and patient demographics and clinicopathological features, were examined. An increase in ISL1 promoter methylation is significantly associated with increased tumour number, size, grade and stage in bladder cancer [7]. It is significantly correlated with aggressive tumour characteristics, tumour recurrence, progression and disease-specific mortality (DSM) in bladder cancer [7, 8]

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