Abstract 1214: TP53 affects SOX2 copy number alterations and expression in non-small cell lung cancer

Background: Amplifications of the transcription factor, SRY (sex determining region Y)-box 2 (SOX2), are common in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). SOX2-signaling is important in maintaining the stem cell-like phenotype of cancer cells and contributes to the pathogenesis of lung cancer. TP53 is recognized as a critical regulator of stem cell pluripotency, and it is known that TP53 represses many stem cell associated genes following DNA damage. We hypothesized that SOX2 copy number alterations in lung tumors could be correlated to mutational status of TP53 gene in tumors and that TP53 played a role in regulation of SOX2 gene expression. Material and Methods: Early-stage lung cancer cases (n = 258) of Norwegian Caucasians origin were recruited when admitted to Haukeland University Hospital in Bergen, Norway between 1986 and 1994. Samples of adjacent histologically non-tumorous lung tissue were collected in the lobectomi specimens at the time of surgery. Tumor histology was confirmed by an experienced pathologist and samples containing >80% of tumor cells were analyzed in this study. After resection tumor and non-tumorous tissues were snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen and kept at -80oC until further processing. All subjects gave written consent, and the study was approved by the regional ethical committee in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration. SOX2 copy number alterations were evaluated by quantitative RT- PCR using SYBR Green I Technology. The TP53 and SOX2 expression lev...
Source: Cancer Research - Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Tags: Molecular and Cellular Biology Source Type: research