Proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 and its phosphorylated form pY881 are novel prognostic markers for non-small cell lung cancer progression and patients overall survival

Global Cancer Conference & Medicare Summit

September 15-17, 2014 Hyderabad International Convention Centre, India

Bo-Hua Kuang, Meng-Qing Zhang, Li-Hua Xu, Li-Juan Hu, Hong-Bo Wang, Wei-Feng Zhao, Yong Du and Xing Zhang

Accepted Abstracts: J Cancer Sci Ther

Abstract :

Background: Our previous study revealed that proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2) is implicated in both anchorageindependent growth and anoikis resistance in lung cancer cells. This study aims to explore the expression and clinical significance of Pyk2 and its phosphorylated formsin non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: The mRNA and protein levels of Pyk2 or cancer stem cell (CSC) markers were either examined by RT-PCR or Western blotting. An immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay was conducted to analyze the expression of Pyk2 and its phosphorylated forms in 128 NSCLC cases. Results: The levels of Pyk2 mRNA, total protein, and its phophorylated forms (pY402andpY881) were higher in lung cancer lesions than in the paired non-cancerous tissues. The IHC analysis showed the levels of the Pyk2 and Pyk2 [pY881] proteins were highly expressed in 70 (54.7%) and 77 (60.2%) cases, respectively. Both Pyk2 and Pyk2 [pY881] were independent prognostic factors for NSCLC patients, and had a potentially predictive role in NSCLC drug treatment. The gain and loss study of Pyk2 function revealed that Pyk2 could up-regulate CSC marker expression and enhance the transforming ability of NSCLC cells. Conclusion: Pyk2 and phosphorylated Pyk2 [pY881] are potential prognostic factors and therapeutic targets for NSCLC.