Analysis of the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) database identifies an inverse relationship between interleukin-13 receptor α1 and α2 gene expression and poor prognosis and drug resistance in subjects with glioblastoma multiforme

AbstractGlioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary brain tumor in adults. A variety of targeted agents are being tested in the clinic including cancer vaccines, immunotoxins, antibodies and T cell immunotherapy for GBM. We have previously reported that IL-13 receptor subunits α1 and α2 of IL-13R complex are overexpressed in GBM. We are investigating the significance ofIL-13R α1 andα2 expression in GBM tumors. In order to elucidate a possible relationship betweenIL-13R α1 andα2 expression with severity and prognoses of subjects with GBM, we analyzed gene expression (by microarray) and clinical data available at the public The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database (Currently known as Global Data Commons). More than 40% of GBM samples were highly positive forIL-13R α2 mRNA (Log2  ≥ 2) while only less than 16% samples were highly positive forIL-13R α1 mRNA. Subjects with highIL-13R α1 andα2 mRNA expressing tumors were associated with a significantly lower survival rate irrespective of their treatment compared to subjects withIL-13R α1 andα2 mRNA negative tumors. We further observed thatIL-13R α2 gene expression is associated with GBM resistance to temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy. The expression ofIL-13R α2 gene did not seem to correlate with the expression of genes for other chains involved in the formation of IL-13R complex (IL-13R α1 orIL-4R α) in GBM. However, a positive correlation was observed betweenIL-4R α andIL-13R α1 gene expression. T...
Source: Journal of Neuro-Oncology - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research