Overexpression of pituitary tumor-transforming gene-1 in hepatocellular carcinoma

Background/Aims: Pituitary tumor-transforming gene-1, a recently identified proto-oncogene, was reported to be highly expressed in various tumors, such as tumors of the pituitary gland, adrenal gland, colon, ovary, endometrium, uterus, and kidney. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinicopathologic significance of PTTG1 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma. Methodology: Expression of PTTG1 mRNA was evaluated by RT-PCR in 147 HCCs and 103 paired nontumorous liver tissues. Results: PTTG1 was found overexpressed in 80 of 147 (61%) HCCs. Overexpression of PTTG1 correlated with alpha-fetoprotein elevation (p < 0.022) and higher tumor stage (stage IIIB-IV) tumors (p < 0.009), but not with tumor grade, size, and survival. Conclusions: The results show that PTTG1 is overexpressed frequently in HCC, and correlated high stage tumors, indicating that overexpression of PTTG1 plays a role in the development and progression of HCC.