Evaluation of mRNA by Q-RTPCR and protein expression by AQUA of the M2 subunit of ribonucleotide reductase (RRM2) in human tumors

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate baseline RRM2 protein and gene expression in tumors of patients receiving 3-AP. Methods: Tumor blocks from patients enrolled in phase I and II clinical studies using 3-AP, were evaluated for RRM2 gene and protein expression by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (Q-RTPCR) and automated quantitative analysis (AQUA). Results: Esophageal and gastric cancers overexpressed RRM2 protein when compared to prostate cancer (Z-score, 0.68 ± 0.94 SD, vs 0.41 ± 0.84 SD, respectively; p = 0.04). Esophageal and gastric cancers also overexpressed RRM2 mRNA when compared to prostate cancer (relative gene expression 2.56 ± 1.49 SD, vs 0.29 ± 0.20 SD, respectively; p = 0.02). Protein and gene expression were moderately associated (Spearman's rank correlation = 0.30; p = 0.12). Conclusion: RRM2 gene and protein expression varies by tumor type. © 2008 Springer-Verlag.