Increased expression of the gene encoding stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 in human bladder cancer

Bladder cancer is a common disease and a significant cause of death worldwide. There is thus great interest in identifying a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker, as well as gaining an understanding of the molecular basis of bladder cancer. Stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 gene (SCD1) is highly overexpressed in many human cancers. However, the expression of SCD1 has not yet been investigated in patients with bladder cancer. Here, we document that (a) the SCD1 is highly overexpressed in human bladder cancer; (b) high expression of SCD1 is more frequently observed in the late stage of disease and patients with lymph node metastasis; (c) bladder cancer patients with a higher SCD1 mRNA level have a poorer survival rate than those with normal SCD1 expression. Overall, this is the first report to indicate an association between SCD1 mRNA level and clinical indicators of human bladder cancer. Our study has provided evidence supporting the potential role of SCD1 as a biomarker for human bladder cancer prognosis.