Flotillin-1 protein is upregulated in human endometrial cancer and localization shifts from epithelial to stromal with increasing tumor grade

ABSTRACT

Endometrial cancer is the most common invasive gynecological malignancy. Flotillin-1 is an integral membrane protein and estrogen responsive gene. Flotillin-1 expression and localization in human endometrial cancers grades 1–3 was investigated using real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Flotillin-1 mRNA levels were unchanged in endometrial cancer versus benign endometrium. Flotillin-1 protein was significantly reduced in the epithelial compartment with increasing tumor grade, although levels increased in the tumor stroma across grades. We have identified a novel factor in human endometrial cancer and observed a shift in epithelial to stromal localization with increasing tumor grade in women.

Keywords:

• Lipid raft
• Endometrioid
• Gynecological cancer

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the support of the Victorian State Government Operational Infrastructure Support and Australian Government NHMRC IRIISS. ED was supported by NHMRC Fellowship (#550905) and AW was supported by an Australian Postgraduate Award. The authors also gratefully acknowledge the technical support of Dr. Michelle Van Sinderen. The authors also acknowledge all the women who donated samples and are grateful to our research nurse, Judi Hocking.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.