Expression of Ets-1 in human clear cell renal cell carcinomas: implications for angiogenesis

Cancer Sci. 2006 Sep;97(9):875-82. doi: 10.1111/j.1349-7006.2006.00268.x. Epub 2006 Jul 13.

Abstract

Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been reported in renal cell carcinoma (RCC), a highly angiogenic carcinoma. However, little or no information is available on the expression of Ets-1, which is one of the target molecules of VEGF. In the present study, we examined the expression of Ets-1 and VEGF in RCC by immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and correlations between expression and the microvessel density (MVD) were evaluated. Ets-1 was immunolocalized to carcinoma cells and endothelial cells of the microvessels in clear cell RCC, but not in papillary RCC. Immunohistochemical Ets-1 expression and MVD were significantly higher in clear cell RCC than in papillary RCC. Predominant mRNA expression of Ets-1 in clear cell RCC was confirmed by RT-PCR. The expression of Ets-1 correlated directly with MVD in clear cell RCC. Hypoxic treatment upregulated the mRNA expression of Ets-1 and VEGF in cell lines derived from clear cell RCC, suggesting that hypoxia is a key regulator for these molecules. These results demonstrate the expression of Ets-1 in human clear cell RCC and suggest the possibility that Ets-1 is involved in angiogenesis in clear cell RCC.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / metabolism*
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / pathology
  • Cell Hypoxia / physiology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Endothelial Cells / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Kidney Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Kidney Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / physiopathology*
  • Proto-Oncogene Protein c-ets-1 / biosynthesis*
  • RNA, Messenger / analysis
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Up-Regulation
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / biosynthesis

Substances

  • ETS1 protein, human
  • Proto-Oncogene Protein c-ets-1
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A