Investigation of SKOR2 Gene Expression in Patients with Lung Cancer Using Real-time PCR

Background and Aims: Lung cancer includes small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLCs) types. NSCLCs are investigated for various mutations, which is available can be treated with targeted new molecular therapies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of SKOR2 gene, disease severity, and evaluation of NSCLC and its subtypes of cancer patients among patients with lung cancer in Tehran hospitals using Real-Time PCR.

Materials and Methods: A total of 35 clinical samples were collected from patients with NSCLC-derived lung cancer from three hospitals in Tehran. The range of patients varied from 37 to 80 years. The disease grade ranges in the patients in this study were varied and 22 different grades were observed. In order to evaluate the SKOR2 gene after extraction of RNA and cDNA synthesis, the gene expression was evaluated using Real-Time PCR.

Results: Of the 22 observed grades, the highest grade IIIa grade was observed in 6 patients (17.1%). 74% of adenocarcinoma cases were in T-categories of lung cancer and 25% of patients were in grade IIIa. Patients with T3 stage included 4 samples, 2 of which were adenocarcinoma and 2 were SCC and their age ranged from 55 to 62 years old. Three patients were in the T1 category, and 100% of them had adenocarcinoma. The results showed that expression of SKOR2 5.47 fold in lung cancer patients with NSCLC was more than normal patients.

Conclusion: According to the results, expression of the SKOR2 gene in the tissues of individuals with lung cancer was increased compared to normal individuals. The expression of this gene in patient suggests the possibility of involvement of this agent in the progression of the disease. According to the results, it is recommended to use an evaluation of the expression of other biomarkers in lung cancer to help with this and to increase the accuracy of screening tests for lung cancer.