Elevated expression of N-myc downstream regulated gene 1 protein promotes neovascularization and tumor progression in glioblastomas

Abstract Aim The N-myc downstream regulated gene 1 ( NDRG1 ) is a member of the NDRG family, of which four members ( NDRG1, NDRG2, NDRG3, NDRG4 ) have been identified. NDRG1 is repressed by c-MYC and N-MYC proto-oncogenes. NDRG1 is translated into a 43 kDa protein that is associated with the regulation of cellular stress responses, proliferation and differentiation. In this study, we aimed to clarify the relationship between progression of glioblastoma (GB) IDH-wildtype and NDRG1 expression in tumor cells. Methods We assessed the expression of NRDG1 in 42 GBs using immunostaining, and evaluated its prognostic significance. NDRG1 expression of GBs was evaluated using Histoscore, which showed high and low scores in 25 and 17 cases, respectively. Additionally, expression of NRDG1 mRNA was confirmed in frozen tissue specimens from seven GB cases and a GB cell line, respectively. Results NDRG1 positive cells were strongly expressed in Ki-67 labeled proliferating tumor cells and CD105 positive microvessels around the pseudopalisade. Statistical analyses showed lower survival rates in the high-score group than the low-score group (p < 0.01). Conclusion This study indicated that overexpression of NDRG1 was related to the progression and angiogenesis of GBs.