Upregulation of SATB1 is associated with the development and progression of glioma

• Main Authors: Chu Sheng-Hua, Ma Yan-Bin, Feng Dong-Fu, Zhang Hong, Zhu Zhi-An, Li Zhi-Qiang, Jiang Pu-Cha
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2012-07-01
• Series: Journal of Translational Medicine
• Online Access: http://www.translational-medicine.com/content/10/1/149

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Special AT-rich sequence-binding protein-1 (SATB1) has been reported to be expressed in several human cancers and may have malignant potential. This study was aimed at investigating the expression and potential role of SATB1 in human glioma.</p> <p>Method</p> <p>The relationship between SATB1 expression, clinicopathological parameters, Ki67 expression and MGMT promoter methylation status was evaluated, and the prognostic value of SATB1 expression in patients with gliomas was analyzed. SATB1-specific shRNA sequences were synthesized, and U251 cells were transfected with SATB1 RNAi plasmids. Expression of SATB1 mRNA and protein was investigated by RT-PCR and immunofluoresence staining and western blotting. The expression of c-Met, SLC22A18, caspase-3 and bcl-2 protein was determined by western blotting. U251 cell growth and adherence was detected by methyl thiazole tetrazolium assay. The apoptosis of U251 cells was examined with a flow cytometer. The adherence, invasion, and <it>in vitro</it> angiogenesis assays of U251 cells were done. The growth and angiogenesis of SATB1 low expressing U251 cells was measured in an <it>in vivo</it> xenograft model.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Of 70 tumors, 44 (62.9%) were positive for SATB1 expression. SATB1 expression was significantly associated with a high histological grade and with poor survival in univariate and multivariate analyses. SATB1 expression was also positively correlated with Ki67 expression but negatively with MGMT promoter methylation in glioma tissues. SATB1 shRNA expression vectors could efficiently induce the expression of SLC22A18 protein, increase the caspase-3 protein, inhibit the expression of SATB1, c-Met and bcl-2 protein, the growth, invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis of U251 cells, and induce apoptosis <it>in vitro</it>. Furthermore, the tumor growth of U251 cells expressing SATB1 shRNA were inhibited <it>in vivo</it>, and immunohistochemical analyses of tumor sections revealed a decreased vessel density in the animals where shRNA against SATB1 were expressed.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>SATB1 may have an important role as a positive regulator of glioma development and progression, and that SATB1 might be a useful molecular marker for predicting the prognosis of glioma.</p>