Peroxiredoxins and their expression in ependymomas

• Published in: Journal of clinical pathology Vol. 66; no. 1; pp. 12 - 17
• Main Authors: Haapasalo, Toomas, Nordfors, Kristiina, Järvelä, Sally, Kok, Eloise, Sallinen, Pauli, Kinnula, Vuokko L, Haapasalo, Hannu Kalervo, Soini, Ylermi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Association of Clinical Pathologists 01.01.2013; BMJ Publishing Group; BMJ Publishing Group LTD
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Biological and medical sciences; Biomarkers, Tumor - metabolism; Brain Neoplasms - metabolism; Brain Neoplasms - mortality; Brain Neoplasms - pathology; Brain Neoplasms - surgery; Brain Tumours; Cell Nucleus - metabolism; Cell Nucleus - pathology; Child; Child, Preschool; Cytoplasm - metabolism; Cytoplasm - pathology; Ependymoma - metabolism; Ependymoma - mortality; Ependymoma - pathology; Ependymoma - surgery; Female; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins - metabolism; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Molecular Pathology; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local - metabolism; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local - mortality; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local - pathology; Neurology; Neuropathology; NF-E2-Related Factor 2 - metabolism; Oncogene Proteins - metabolism; Oxidative Stress; Pathology. Cytology. Biochemistry. Spectrometry. Miscellaneous investigative techniques; Peroxiredoxins - metabolism; Protein Deglycase DJ-1; Survival Rate; Tumors of the nervous system. Phacomatoses; Young Adult; Tumor; Nervous system diseases; Anatomic pathology; Glioma; Ependymoma; Central nervous system disease
• ISSN: 0021-9746; 1472-4146
• DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2012-201048

Aims Peroxiredoxins I–VI (Prxs) have recently been shown to have a role in the tumorigenesis of astrocytic brain tumours. In some tumour types they are associated with Nrf2 (transcription factor NF-E2-related factor), a sensor of oxidative stress, and DJ-1 (also known as PARK7), a protein known to stabilise Nrf2. Methods We investigated the immunohistochemical expression of Prxs I–VI, Nrf2 and DJ-1 in a total of 76 ependymomas and their relationship with clinicopathological features of these tumours. Results There was a significant expression of all Prxs except Prx IV in the ependymomas. Strong nuclear and cytoplasmic expression of Nrf2 could be detected in these tumours. Prx I expression was significantly associated with cytoplasmic and nuclear Nrf2 expression. Prx I expression was also associated with tumour site, with cerebellar ependymomas having a lower expression of Prx I than other tumours. DJ-1 did not associate with Prxs but nuclear DJ-1 had an inverse association with nuclear Nrf2. Cytoplasmic DJ-1 associated with worse survival in ependymoma patients. Conclusions This study indicates that oxidative mechanisms as reflected by Nrf2 expression are highly activated in ependymomas. Prxs, especially Prx I, were associated with Nrf2 expression, suggesting a role for Nrf2 in Prx I synthesis in ependymomas. While DJ-1 did not associate with any of the Prxs, its expression was associated with worsened patient survival and could have a role as a prognostic marker in ependymomas.