Expression Profile of S100A2 and its Clinicopathological Significance in Renal Cell Carcinoma

BACKGROUND/AIM: Dysregulated expression of S100 protein family members, including S100A2, has been reported in various types of human malignant tumors; however, the functional role of S100A2 in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains unknown. The objective of this study was to assess the S100A2 expression pattern and its clinicopathological significance in RCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study investigated the expression profiles of S100A2 mRNA, S100A2 protein and p53 mRNA in addition to S100A2 DNA methylation levels in 3 human RCC cell lines and 81 surgically resected RCC specimens. These findings were analyzed according to several clinicopathological parameters. RESULTS: In all RCC cell lines, both S100A2 mRNA and protein were barely detectable, and the S100A2 promoter was considered to be methylated. S100A2 mRNA expression levels in RCC tissues were markedly lower than those in normal kidney tissues. The rate in clear cell RCC (ccRCC) specimens with higher expression of S100A2 mRNA was significantly lower than that in non-ccRCC specimens (29.9 versus 71.4%, respectively). Furthermore, S100A2 expression in ccRCC specimens was significantly correlated with p53 mRNA expression, but not conventional clinicopathological parameters. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest limited roles of S100A2 in the progression of RCC, particularly ccRCC.