Objective: Spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk), a non-receptor protein tyrosine kinase, has recently been recognized as a new candidate tumor suppressor. Decrease or loss of Syk expression has been associated with a malignant phenotype and poor prognosis in a variety of cancers. This study aimed to determine the precise role of Syk in cervical cancer.
Methods: Methylation-specific PCR (MSP) and RT-PCR were utilized to analyze the methylation status and Syk mRNA expression in tissue samples from 20 normal controls, 50 CIN patients and 60 cervical cancer patients.
Results: Syk expression was detected in all 20 normal cervical tissues, as well as in all 18 CIN1 samples. Syk expression was found in 18 of 32 (56%) of CIN2/3 samples.
Conclusion: The results indicate a potential link between the loss of Syk expression and cervical carcinogenesis.