Enhanced RBM8A expression in human hepatocellular carcinoma

Objective: To investigate the expression level of RBM8A and its significance in HCC. Methods: RT-PCR method, immunohistochemistry and Western blot assay were performed to detect RBM8A expression in 105 cases of HCC tissues, adjacent tissues and 67 cases of normal liver tissues; The relationship between RBM8A expression and clinicopathological features of HCC was analyzed. Results: RT-PCR showed that: RBM8A mRNA expression in HCC tissues was significantly higher than that in adjacent tissues and normal liver tissues (P< 0.05). Immunohistochemistry showed that: the positive rates of RBM8A in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues, adjacent tissues, normal liver tissues were 85%, 61.67%, 5.71% (P < 0.05); western blotting showed that: Gray values of RBM8A in HCC tissues, adjacent tissues and normal tissues were 1.86 +/- 0.36; 1.35 +/- 0.32; 0.95 +/- 0.35 (P < 0.05). The correlation analysis of RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry results and clinical features of liver cancer patients showed that: RBM8A protein expression was positively correlated with HBsAg, tumor size, TNM stage, Edmondson pathological grade (P < 0.05). The overall OS and PFS of patients with low expression of RBM8A were prolonged compared with those with high RBM8A expression (P < 0.05). Conclusion: RBM8A expression in HCC tissues was significantly higher than that in adjacent and normal tissues; RBM8A may be related to the occurrence and development of HCC.