Evaluation of Potential Candidate Genes in the Differentiation of Neoplastic and Non-neoplastic Conditions of Endometrium

Abstract Background Endometrial cancer is one of the most common malignancies and alternative successful biomarkers are needed in the diagnostic process. Objectives This study aimed to investigate candidate genes' diagnostic potential in endometrial neoplasia. Material and Methods The expression levels of USP28, JAG2, AURKA, PGK1, HRPT1, EZH2, YAP, and P53 genes were evaluated by qPCR and/or immunohistochemistry analyses on endometrioid-type adenocarcinomas including all three grades, as well as from non-atypical hyperplasia, and atypical hyperplasia. Results We determined significant (p < 0.05) increases in USP28, PGK1, EZH2, JAG2, AURKA, and YAP mRNA expressions in endometrial cancer tissues. Significant differences in the expressions of USP28 and P53 genes were determined between tumor grade groups (p = 0.002, and p = 0.005, respectively). Immunohistochemically, significant differences were found between the study groups (p < 0.001) and tumor grades (p = 0.013) by the evaluation of USP28. Statistically significant differences were found between all study groups (p < 0.001) and tumor grades (p = 0.008) in terms of PGK1 immunohistochemical expressions. A positive correlation (p = 0.002, r = 0.356) was found between p53 and PGK1. Conclusions Considering our qPCR and immunohistochemistry results together, it was concluded that USP28, PGK1, EZH2, JAG2, AURKA, HPRT1and YAP expressions could offer beneficial expression values in precancerous lesions and endometrial cancer.