Expression and methylation status of the Syk gene in cervical carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE

Spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk), a non-receptor protein tyrosine kinase, has recently been recognized as a new candidate tumor suppressor. Decrease or loss of Syk expression has been associated with a malignant phenotype and poor prognosis in a variety of cancers. This study aimed to determine the precise role of Syk in cervical cancer.

METHODS

Methylation-specific PCR (MSP) and RT-PCR were utilized to analyze the methylation status and Syk mRNA expression in tissue samples from 20 normal controls, 50 CIN patients and 60 cervical cancer patients.

RESULTS

Syk expression was detected in all 20 normal cervical tissues, as well as in all 18 CIN1 samples. Syk expression was found in 18 of 32 (56%) of CIN2/3 samples.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate a potential link between the loss of Syk expression and cervical carcinogenesis.