Gal-8, Gal-9, Histone H3-Acetyl-K9, Histone H3-Trimethyl-K4 and Glucocorticoid Receptor as possible prognostic markers in endometrial cancer

Aim Endometrial cancer is the sixth most frequent cancer in women worldwide, with an increasing incidence and mortality. For that reason, the development of new prognostic factors and therapeutic targets is necessary. Histone modifications affect chromatin accessibility and can lead to amended gene expression in cancer. Likewise, the Glucocorticoid Receptor (GR) can regulate the expression of target genes by acting as a transcription factor. Galectins are lectin-binding proteins with multiple effects on cell biology. H3-Acetyl-K9 (H3K9ac) and H3-Trimethyl-K4 (H3K4me3) are connected to active transcription, and the GR can be part of the initiation of cancer through a changed gene expression pattern. Galectins affect the promotion and progression of a tumor via modulating cell-cell-adhesion, angiogenesis or apoptosis. All markers are already known as prognostic factors in other tumor entities.

Material and methods In this study, Gal-8, Gal-9, H3K9ac, H3K4me3 and GR expression is examined in 300 endometrial cancer samples. After immunohistochemical staining, their expression will be evaluated by the IRS (immuno-reactive score). Results will be correlated to clinical-pathological data like TNM status, FIGO and grading.

Furthermore, the impact of the expression of all proteins on the overall and relapse-free survival is analyzed.

Results In progress, to be completed.

Conclusion We hypothesize that the GR, H3K9ac and H3K4me3, Gal-8 and Gal-9could serve as new prognostic markers for patients with endometrial cancer.

Funding Internal departmental funding.

Publication History

Article published online:
07 October 2020