The Role of Sp3 in Cancer and Apoptosis
Author Information
Author(s): Essafi-Benkhadir Khadija, Grosso Sébastien, Puissant Alexandre, Robert Guillaume, Essafi Makram, Deckert Marcel, Chamorey Emmanuel, Dassonville Olivier, Milano Gérard, Auberger Patrick, Pagès Gilles
Primary Institution: University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis
Hypothesis
What are the molecular mechanisms involved in Sp3 accumulation in aggressive tumors?
Conclusion
High levels of full-length Sp3 indicate a poor prognosis for patients with head and neck tumors.
Supporting Evidence
- Sp3 over-expression induces apoptosis in tumor cells.
- High levels of Sp3 are associated with poor prognosis in head and neck tumors.
- Sp3 can be cleaved by caspases, allowing some cancer cells to survive.
Takeaway
Sp3 is a protein that can help cells die when they are supposed to, but in some cancers, it can actually help the cancer grow instead.
Methodology
The study involved generating cell lines that express Sp3, analyzing cell growth, apoptosis, and gene expression through various assays.
Limitations
The study's findings need to be validated in a larger cohort and across different tumor types.
Participant Demographics
Patients with head and neck tumors, median follow-up of 60 months.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.043
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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