방광암에 서 Gli2 및 Gli3 발현 의 임상 적 의의 Clinical Significance of the Expression of Gli2 and Gli3 in Bladder Cancer

Purpose: The HedgehogGli (HHGli) signaling pathway controls many aspects of tissue patterning, cell proliferation, differentiation and regenera-tion, and regulates the number of cells in various organs. Inappropriate and uncontrolled activation of the HHGli signaling pathway has been demonstrated in a variety of human cancers. The Gli1, Gli2, and Gli3 genes encoding the Gli family transcription factors play a role as HH effectors. This study examined the significance in Gli2 and Gli3 expression in human bladder cancer. Materials and Methods: The tumor tissues were obtained from 144 patients with a primary bladder cancer. The mRNA levels of Gli2, and Gli3 were examined using a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay in 144 tumor specimens, and immunohistochemical staining was performed on 127 tumor paraffin blocks. The relationships between their expression and the pathological or clinical characteristics, such as tumor stage, grade, re-currence and progression were also analyzed