Study of NGEP expression pattern in cancerous tissues provides novel insights into prognostic marker in prostate cancer

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to produce a novel polyclonal antibody against extracellular domain of NGEP protein and explore its role in prognosis of prostate cancer. Materials & methods: Polyclonal antibodies against two peptides (NGEP-p1 and NGEP-p2) derived extracellular domains of NGEP were prepared and the intensity and distribution of NGEP expression analyzed in large series of prostate tissue specimens. Results: We found a significant inverse correlation between NGEP expression and prognostic features such as Gleason score, pathologic tumor stage and prostate-specific antigen level using anti-NGEP-p2 antibody. Conclusion: The results indicate that the high level of expression could be associated with good prognosis in prostate cancer. However, additional studies are required to evaluate NGEP as an independent prognostic factor for prostate carcinoma.