Widespread expression of ?-glutamyl cyclotransferase suggests it is not a general tumor marker.

ABSTRACT: ?-Glutamyl cyclotransferase (GGCT) contributes to the ?-glutamyl cycle that regulates glutathione metabolism. Although GGCT has been implicated in several studies as a possible cancer marker, little is known about its distribution in cells and tissues. The authors investigated GGCT expression in normal tissues and tumors using Western blots and immunohistochemistry with a novel anti-GGCT monoclonal antibody. GGCT was detected in most organs and was mainly found in epithelial cells. Although the intracellular distribution was mainly cytoplasmic, in some situations, nuclear staining was strong. A significant increase in the expression of GGCT was found in tumors of the lung, esophagus, stomach, bile duct, and uterine cervix. In contrast, there was a significant decrease in expression in renal and urothelial tumors. These results suggest that GGCT may be a biomarker of tumors in a limited range of organs.

SUBMITTER: Amano T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3283131 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature