Urine exosome gene expression of cancer-testis antigens for prediction of bladder carcinoma.

BACKGROUND

Exosomes have been regarded as emerging tools for cancer diagnosis. Tumor-derived exosomes contain molecules that enhance cancer progression and affect immune responses.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In the present study, we evaluated expression of seven cancer-testis antigens (CTAs) that are regarded as putative biomarkers and immunotherapeutic targets along with in urinary exosomes of bladder cancer patients, healthy subjects and patients affected with nonmalignant urinary disorders.

RESULTS

Exosomal expression of was significantly higher in bladder cancer patients compared with normal samples (expression ratio=2.68, =0.01). However, its expression was lower in bladder cancer patients compared with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) patients (expression ratio=0.17, =0.01). Exosomal expression of was significantly higher in bladder cancer patients compared with BPH patients (expression ratio=9.22, =0.02). Expressions of other genes were not significantly different between bladder cancer patients and normal/nonmalignant samples. We found significant correlation between and expressions in exosomes obtained from controls. In addition, expression was correlated with expression of in both cancer patients and controls.

CONCLUSION

The present study provides evidences for differential expression of CTAs in urinary exosomes of bladder cancer patients and urogenital disorders and warrants further studies for assessment of their significance in cancer diagnosis and immunotherapeutic approaches.