CBIO-41: MutT HOMOLOG1 EXPRESSION IS UP-REGULATED IN MALIGNANT GLIOMA

INTRODUCTION: MutT homolog1 (MTH1) is required for the survival of cancer cells. Generally, cancer cells have irregular redox formation that result in production of reactive oxygen species, which damage the deoxynucleoside triphosphate pool and subsequent the DNA. MTH1 plays a crucial role by inhibiting the incorporation of oxidized bases into the DNA that avoid apoptosis of the cancer cells. Our aim was to analyze the pathophysiological role of MTH1 in glioma. METHODS: We analyzed the expression of MTH1 in surgical specimens of brain tumors of different WHO grades. Moreover, we compared primary and secondary glioblastomas, as well as tumors before and after chemotherapy. Western Blot, quantitative PCR, immunohisto- and immunocytochemistry were applied. RESULTS: Our work showed a significant higher level of MTH1 in brain tumor with higher WHO grade. Furthermore, patients treated with chemotherapy showed significantly lesser expression of MTH1. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that MTH1 might play an essential role in both, the malignization of glioma and disease progression in recurrent GBM. Inhibitors of MTH1 may develop towards targeted therapies in GBM.