Loss of APKC expression independently predicts tumor recurrence in superficial bladder cancers

Abstract

Objectives: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is known to play an important role in the development of tumor invasion and progression in tumors of epithelial origin. Our aim was to investigate the role of tight junction proteins, Par3/Par6/atypical protein kinase C (APKC), Discs large (Dlg), and Scribble in human bladder pathogenesis. Methods: We evaluated levels of APKC, Dlg, and Scribble in 92 superficial bladder tumors using tissue microarrays and immunohistochemistry, and correlated expression with pathologic variables and clinical outcomes. Results: There was a slight apparent enrichment in strong vs. weak staining for APKC (54.9% vs. 45.1%), Dlg (65.7% vs. 34.3%), and a marked en..