Determining KLF14 tertiary structure and diagnostic significance in brain cancer progression

Expression analysis of new protein targets may play a crucial role in the early detection and diagnosis of brain tumor progression. The study aimed to investigate the possible relation of KLF14, TPD52, miR-124, and PKC epsilon in the development and progression of brain cancer and space occupying lesion (SOL) of the brain. One hundred human blood samples comprising varying diagnostic groups (SOL brain, grade I, II, III, IV) were analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR to determine the expression level of KLF14, TPD52, miR-124, and PKC epsilon. TPD52 and PKC epsilon were upregulated in brain cancer by 2.5- and 1.6-fold, respectively, whereas, KLF14 and miR-124 were downregulated in brain cancer. In metastatic and high-grade brain cancer, TPD52 and PKC epsilon expression were up-regulated and KLF14 and miR-124 expression were down-regulated. Further, these genes were found to be differentially expressed in the blood of patients with SOL. Upregulation of TPD52 and PKC epsilon, however, reduced expression of KLF14 and miR-124 in SOL of the brain as compared to healthy controls. Expression analysis of TPD52, KLF14, miR-124, and PKC epsilon provided useful information on the differences existing between the normal brain and SOL, in addition to gliomas; thus, might prove to be useful having diagnostic or prognostic value.

Automated summary

Expression analysis of new protein targets is important for the early detection and diagnosis of brain tumor progression. This study found that TPD52 and PKC epsilon were upregulated in brain cancer, while KLF14 and miR-124 were downregulated. These genes also showed differential expression in blood samples from patients with SOL, suggesting their potential diagnostic and prognostic value for gliomas.