Aurora‐A over‐expression in high‐grade PIN lesions and prostate cancer

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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Over‐expression of Aurora‐A (Aurora 2 kinase, STK‐15), a protein found in centrosomes thought to be associated with genetic instability, has been previously documented in prostate cancer [Pihan et al.: Cancer Res 61(5):2212–2219, 2001]. It is unknown if this protein is also over‐expressed in high‐grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) lesions.METHODS: PIN lesions were examined for increased Aurora‐A using immunohistochemical staining on archival paraffin embedded prostatectomy tissue. Aurora‐A expression was scored using size, number, and staining intensity. Protein expression was examined and compared between stromal cells, normal glands, high‐grade PIN lesions, and invasive cancer.RESULTS: Immunohistochemistry shows an increased expression of Aurora‐A in 96% of high‐grade PIN cases, and 98% in cancer lesions. Twenty‐nine percent of cases of normal glands from cancerous prostates also showed increased Aurora‐A expression.CONCLUSIONS: Over‐expression of Aurora‐A is present in some normal and the majority of high‐grade PIN lesions indicating that this may be an early event that leads to the genetic instability seen in prostate carcinogenesis.

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