Increased expression of the oncogenic KLF6-SV1 transcript in human glioblastoma

Background: Gliomas constitute the vast majority of primary central nervous system tumors in adults. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive form of these primary brain tumors. There is a need to define diagnostic and prognostic markers that may help to distinguish GBM from non-GBM tumors. The Kruppel-like factor 6 (KLF6) gene has recently emerged as a promising candidate. The goal of our study was to determine if there is a link between KLF6 splice variants expression and different grades of gliomas. Methods: Fifty-three primary gliomas tumor samples were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR for the total KLF6, wild-type and alternatively spliced (SV1) KLF6 mRNA. Results: Compared to the non-GBM group, the GBM group had a 2.2-fold increase in the mean level of total KLF6 mRNA expression. GBM showed a 2.1-fold increase in the KLF6 splicing ratio. In addition, KLF6-SV1 mRNA expression levels were also 2.2-fold higher in the GBM group, suggesting that the increase in the KLF6 splicing ratio was due to increased expression of the KLF6-SV1 oncogenic splice variant. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that quantification of total and spliced forms of KLF6 may provide a new and useful supplementary molecular tool for grading glioma. Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:1167-70.