Expression of NRG1 and its receptors in human bladder cancer.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Therapies targeting ERBB2 have shown success in the clinic. However, response is not determined solely by expression of ERBB2. Levels of ERBB3, its preferred heterodimerisation partner and ERBB ligands may also have a role.

Methods

We measured NRG1 expression by real-time quantitative RT-PCR and ERBB receptors by western blotting and immunohistochemistry in bladder tumours and cell lines.

Results

NRG1α and NRG1β showed significant coordinate expression. NRG1β was upregulated in 78% of cell lines. In tumours, there was a greater range of expression with a trend towards increased NRG1α with higher stage and grade. Increased expression of ERBB proteins was detected in 15% (EGFR), 20% (ERBB2), 41% (ERBB3) and 0% (ERBB4) of cell lines. High EGFR expression was d

SUBMITTER: Forster JA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3068491 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature