Death receptor 6 (DR6) is overexpressed in astrocytomas

Abstract

Background/Aim: Death receptor 6 (DR6) is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily. The expression of DR6 is elevated in different kinds of tumors including ovarian, breast cancer and adult sarcoma. In these tumors, the receptor may be handled as a new diagnostic and prognostic marker. Thus, we investigated the expression of DR6 in gliomas. Materials and Methods: Tumor and control tissues were extracted during neurosurgery and grouped according to the WHO classification. DR6 expression was investigated in low- and high-grade gliomas PCR (n=70), immunofluorescence staining (n=33) and western blot (n=58). Additional analysis of TCGA-data was performed to assess the general alteration of DR6 in cancer and influence of IDH-mutation on DR6 expression in gliomas. Results: The expression of DR6 was significantly enhanced in gliomas (p<0.05). It showed a trend towards rising expression with increasing malignancy of the tumor. Chemotherapy treatment could have an influence on DR6 expression. Conclusion: In our investigation, DR6 acts as a potential suitable diagnostic marker for gliomas.