The interrelationships between Src, Cav-1 and RhoGD12 in transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder

Abstract

Background: The aim of this current study was to assess the expression and activity of Src family kinases, focal adhesion kinase (FAK), caveolin (Cav-1) and RhoGD12 in bladder cancer. Methods: Fifty-eight patients with a new diagnosis of bladder cancer undergoing transurethral resection were included. Immunohistochemical staining was utilised to assess expression of c-Src, dephosphorylated (SrcY 530), phosphorylated Src (Y 419), phosphorylated FAK (FAK Y 861), Cav-1 and RhoGD12. Expression was assessed using the weighted histoscore method. Results :High expression of dephosphorylated Y 527, phosphorylated Y 416 and phosphorylated FAK Y 861 in the membrane were associated with increased cancer-specific survival (P=0. 01, P=0.001, P=0.008, respectively) and expression of Y 416 in the membrane was an independent factor on multivariate analysis when combined with known clinical parameters (P=0.008, HR= 0.288, 95% CI 0.11-0.72). Conclusion: These Results demonstrate that in contrast to other solid tumours, activation of the Src family members and downstream signalling proteins are associated with a good prognosis in transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder, and activated Src has a positive relationship with RhoGD12. © 2012 Cancer Research UK All rights reserved.