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

4^th World Congress on Cancer Science & Therapy

October 20-22, 2014 DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chicago-North Shore Conference Center, USA

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 inboth anchorage-independent growth and anoikis resistance in lung cancercells. 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 formsin 128 NSCLC cases. Results: The levels of Pyk2 mRNA, total protein, and its phophorylated forms (pY402andpY881) were higher in lung cancer lesions thanin the paired noncancerous 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.