Nusap1, Melk and L1cam Expression in Cervical Cancer Tissues; Prognostic and Clinicopathological Implications

Background: It is important to identify of novel therapeutic targets for cervical carcinoma. Nucleolar and spindle associated protein 1 (NUSAP1) could be able to bind microtubules, and has important role in spindle formation and mitotic progression. Maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK) is a cell cycle related conserved protein kinase that is involved in control and regulation of the cell cycle, apoptosis, and carcinogenesis. The L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1-CAM) was discovered as a protein which has an essential role in cell migration and axon guidance in the nervous system. The Aim of This Study Is to investigate the tissue protein expression of NUSAP1, MELK and L1CAM in tissues of cervical carcinoma and to detect their prognostic roles. Methods: Expression of NUSAP1, MELK and L1CAM was evaluated in sections from 62 cases of cervical carcinoma using immunohistochemistry we followed our patients for 3 years correlate their expression with clinicopathological parameters and patients outcome. Results: High levels of NUSAP1, MELK and L1CAM expression was positively related to older age of the patients, high grade of the tumor, lympho-vascular invasion, advanced FIGO stage, poor survival rates and higher recurrence rate after successful therapy (p<0.001). L.N metastases (p=0.002), distant metastases (p=0.003). There are statistically significant positive association between NUSAP1, MELK and L1CAM Phi correlation coefficient= + 0.87 and + 0.721 respectively (p<0.001). Conclusion: NUSAP1, MELK and L1CAM are considered markers of poor prognosis in cervical carcinoma cells.