Expressions of Cyr61,CTGF,NOV and WISP-1 in renal cell carcinoma

Objective To evaluate the expressions of the CCN family members(Cyr61,CTGF,NOV and WISP-1) in human renal cell carcinoma(RCC).Methods Expressions of Cyr61,CTGF,NOV and WISP-1 were determined in 31 patients with RCC and in 18 normal kidney tissues by a semi-quantitative western blot method.Results Cyr61,CTGF,NOV and WISP-1 protein were all down-regulated in RCC.NOV or WISP-1 protein level was significantly higher in papillary RCC than that in clear cell RCC.NOV protein level was higher in G1 than G2,3 tumors(P0.01).Conclusions Down-regulation of Cyr61,CTGF,NOV and WISP-1 in RCC suggests that these CCN members might act as tumor suppressors in RCC.