Overexpression of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in high grade endometrial carcinoma

Jun Zhou, Ju Won Roh, Sudeshna Bandyopadhyay, Zhengming Chen, Adnan R. Munkarah, Yaser Hussein, Baraa Alosh, Tarek Jazaerly, Kinda Hayek, Assaad Semaan, Anil K. Sood, Rouba Ali-Fehmi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

47 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: The deregulation of E-cadherin is associated with Src/FAK signaling axis and histone deacetylase (HDAC)/EZH2 activity. However, the association between EZH2 and FAK and its clinical significance in endometrial carcinoma has not been reported. Methods: 202 archived cases of endometrial carcinoma (1996-2000) were reviewed and divided into two subtypes. TMAs were developed as per established procedures. EZH2, FAK, and pFAK immunohistochemical stains were performed and the expression was scored as negative (0), low (1) and high (2). Proper statistical analysis was used to assess the correlation between the expression profiles and the clinicopathological parameters and clinical outcome. Results: A total of 141 (69.8%) type-1 tumors and 61 (30.2%) type-2 tumors were identified. EZH2 overexpression was identified in 7.6% of type-1 tumors vs. 63% of type-2 tumors (p < 0.001). FAK and pFAK overexpression was only seen in 24.8% and 1.7% of Type-1 tumors as compared to 72% and 58.8% of type-2 tumors, respectively (p < 0.001). A positive correlation between the expression of EZH2, FAK, pFAK and PTEN (p < 0.0001) was found. The overexpression of EZH2, FAK, and pFAK were significantly associated with high histologic grade, angiolymphatic invasion, lymph node metastasis, myometrial invasion and cervical involvement (p < 0.01). Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrates that the overexpression of EZH2 (p = 0.0024), FAK and pFAK (p = 0.0001) was significantly associated with decreased overall survival. Conclusion: The overexpression of EZH2, FAK and pFAK correlates with well established pathologic risk factors and may predict a more aggressive biologic behavior in endometrial carcinoma, transforming these proteins into potential therapeutic targets for treatment of endometrial cancer.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)344-348
Number of pages5
JournalGynecologic oncology
Volume128
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2013

Keywords

  • Deregulation of EZH2 FAK and pFAK
  • Endometrial carcinoma
  • Histology subtype
  • Potential therapeutic targets for treatment

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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