Higher Expression of Heterogeneous Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein K in Melanoma Linked to Tumorigenesis

A study published in the Annals of Surgical Oncology has found a significant correlation between the higher expression of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNP K) and melanoma tumorigenesis. The research, conducted by F. Wen and colleagues at the University of Arizona, Arizona Cancer Center, investigated the role of hnRNP K in melanoma using human melanoma cell lines and tissue microarray. The study demonstrated that knocking down hnRNP K by siRNA inhibited melanoma cell growth and colony formation, as well as c-myc expression.

Key Takeaways:

• The study found a higher expression of hnRNP K in melanoma cell lines and tissue specimens, which correlated with a higher c-myc expression.
• An increase in cytoplasmic hnRNP K and eIF4E protein levels in melanoma cells was also observed.
• p-ERK level was higher in dysplastic nevi and melanoma tissues, but did not correlate with hnRNP K protein level.
• Knocking down hnRNP K by siRNA inhibited melanoma cell growth and colony formation, as well as c-myc expression.
• The study suggests that hnRNP K may play a role in melanoma tumorigenesis.
• The results of the study were published in the Annals of Surgical Oncology.
• F. Wen and colleagues from the University of Arizona, Arizona Cancer Center, conducted the research.

Statistics:

• 80 melanoma, 23 dysplastic nevi, and 14 benign nevi specimens were analyzed using tissue microarray.
• 8 human melanoma cell lines were used in the study.
• The protein levels of hnRNP K and p-ERK were analyzed using Western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis.
• siRNA was used to knock down hnRNP K in melanoma cells, resulting in inhibited cell growth and colony formation.

Sources:

• F. Wen et al., "Higher expression of the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein k in melanoma. Annals of Surgical Oncology, 2010;17(10):2619-27.
• Cancer Gene Therapy, University of Arizona, Arizona Cancer Center.