The intrinsically disorderly story of Ki-67

Ki-67 is one of the most famous marker proteins used by histologists to identify proliferating cells. Indeed, over 30 000 articles referring to Ki-67 are listed on PubMed. Here, we review some of the current literature regarding the protein. Despite its clinical importance, our knowledge of the molecular biology and biochemistry of Ki-67 is far from complete, and its exact molecular function(s) remain enigmatic. Furthermore, reports describing Ki-67 function are often contradictory, and it has only recently become clear that this proliferation marker is itself dispensable for cell proliferation. We discuss the unusual organization of the protein and its mRNA and how they relate to various models for its function. In particular, we focus on ways in which the intrinsically disordered structure of Ki-67 might aid in the assembly of the still-mysterious mitotic chromosome periphery compartment by controlling liquid–liquid phase separation of nucleolar proteins and RNAs.     

COX-2、Ki-67和结核菌L型感染在前列腺癌中的表达

目的探讨环氧合酶-2（COX-2）和Ki-67在前列腺癌中的表达以及结核菌L型感染率及临床意义。方法应用免疫组化、原位杂交和抗酸染色等方法检测了65例前列腺癌（carcinoma of prostate,PCa）和30例良性前列腺增生（benign prostatic hyperplasia,BPH）中的COX-2、Ki-67蛋白及mRNA的表达,以及结核菌L型的检出率;并对前列腺肿瘤主要临床资料和病理分级参数进行比较,用χ^2检验进行统计学处理。结果COX-2、Ki-67蛋白及mRNA阳性表达和结核菌L型检出率,前列腺癌明显高于前列腺增生（P〈0.001～0.05）。COX-2、Ki-67蛋白及mRNA阳性表达和结核菌L型检出率与前列腺癌的临床分期、病理分级有明显差异（P〈0.01～0.05）。淋巴结转移组中COX-2、Ki-67蛋白及mRNA的阳性表达率明显高于非转移组（P〈0.01）。结核菌L型检出率淋巴结转移组明显高于非转移组（P〈0.05）。结论COX-2、Ki-67蛋白及mRNA在前列腺肿瘤中不同程度异常表达以及结核菌L型检出率与肿瘤的临床分期、病理分级和转移呈正相关,提示2种基因均可作为判断前列腺癌生物学行为及患者预后参考指标。结核菌L型感染极有可能导致基因的变异或过表达,成为诱发肿瘤因素之一,它们可能有协同致瘤作用。     

EGFR和Ki-67在胶质瘤中表达的研究进展

胶质瘤是颅内常见的原发恶性肿瘤,而某些癌基因的激活、过表达或扩增、重排导致脑胶质瘤的形成。主要讨论脑胶质瘤的生物学特点,指出当前研究某些与肿瘤增殖活性及侵袭能力相关的基因改变、蛋白表达,推测其增殖和侵袭活动的具体过程,这是攻克脑胶质瘤的基础和关键。在众多与肿瘤相关的蛋白和基因中,选择了主要反映脑胶质瘤增殖活性和侵袭能力的相关基因——EGFR、Ki-67进行综述。从分子生物学水平评估脑胶质瘤细胞增殖和侵袭状态,在分析和判断胶质瘤的生长、分化程度,指导治疗方案的选择及预后的判断等方面有着重要的实用价值;但对于患者的预后,还需结合年龄、肿瘤位置、病理分级以及其他标记物等进行综合评价。     

PCNA、Ki67 在胰腺疾病中的研究进展

PCNA、Ki-67是与细胞增殖有关的核抗原,在增殖的组织细胞中呈阳性表达,反映组织细胞的增殖活性,是细胞增殖的重要标记物。PCNA、Ki-67在正常发育的胚胎组织、糖尿病、胰腺肿瘤、胰岛移植等胰腺疾病及其他疾病中均高表达,同时也与其他系统肿瘤和疾病密切相关。PCNA、Ki-67作为增殖指标可以用于评价胰腺疾病、胰岛细胞移植后细胞再生数量及其他疾病的诊断、治疗及判断预后。目前已将它们视为细胞的标志物,用于细胞增殖的动力学研究,在临床病理上具有很大的应用前景。未来PCNA、Ki67将广泛应用于临床及基础研究,尤其用于研究胰腺疾病的新靶点、探索糖尿病的发病机制,对疾病的预防和治疗及胰岛移植具有一定的应用前景及意义。     

Runx3、Ki-67在宫颈病变中的研究进展

宫颈癌严重威胁女性健康和安全,是导致女性死亡的主要恶性肿瘤之一。近年来我国宫颈癌的发病率正以每年2%-3%的速度增长,因此早期诊断对于预防和治疗宫颈癌具有决定性的意义。Runx3基因是一个新近发现的肿瘤抑制基因,其低表达与多种恶性肿瘤的发生发展有关。Ki-67抗原是一种贯穿表达于增殖期细胞中的核抗原,其指数可以准确反映细胞的增殖情况。研究表明Runx3及Ki-67的表达与宫颈癌的发生发展密切相关。目前宫颈癌筛查中的细胞学检查及hr-HPV检测方法都具有一定的局限性,寻求新的筛查方法已成为研究热点。本文将对Runx3及Ki-67在宫颈癌中的研究进展做一综述。     

胃癌组织中Src激酶激活和HER2、Ki-67的表达及相关性研究

目的 研究胃癌组织中非受体酪氨酸激酶c-Src激活形式p-Src(Y419)和HER2、Ki-67的表达及相互关系.方法 应用免疫组化法检测123例胃癌组织及56例癌旁组织p-Src(Y419)、HER2、Ki-67的表达,分析其临床病理意义和相互关系.结果 p-Src(Y419)在胃癌及癌旁组织中表达积分中位值分别为80和30,差异显著(P＜0.05),其表达强弱与肿瘤大小、分化程度、浸润深度、pTNM分期显著相关;HER2在胃癌组织中高表达率为39％,癌旁组织HER2无表达,差异显著(P＜0.05);分化良好,肠型,单纯腺癌的胃癌组织HER2表达率高.Ki-67在胃癌及癌旁组织中标记指数范围分别为0-98％和0-20％,其中位值分别为70％和3.5％,差异显著(P＜0.05).Ki-67表达高低与组织类型、Lauren分型、脉管癌栓显著相关,与分化程度有显著差异的趋势;胃癌组织中HER2表达与p-Src(Y419)、Ki-67表达呈正相关,而癌旁组织中无类似关系;胃癌及癌旁组织中p-Src(Y419)表达与Ki-67表达均呈正相关.结论 胃癌组织Src激活、HER2及Ki-67表达在胃癌中有重要的临床意义,可能作为胃癌生物学行为的标记物.胃癌中c-Src激活和HER2、Ki-67表达有一定的相关性.     

金葡菌L型感染致小鼠肿瘤中Survivin、Ki-67的表达及意义

目的探讨金黄色葡萄球菌(金葡菌)L型感染C57小鼠致瘤后,凋亡蛋白抑制因子(Survivin)和增殖细胞核相关抗原(Ki-67)在小鼠肿瘤及癌前病变中的表达及相关性研究。方法动物实验观察金葡菌L型感染90只C57小鼠后11.1%(10/90)小鼠发生肿瘤,14.4%(13/90)小鼠引起癌前病变。革兰染色、免疫组化及原位杂交检测小鼠肿瘤和癌前病变中金葡菌L型检出率和Survivin、Ki-67蛋白及cDNA的表达。结果10只小鼠肿瘤及13只小鼠癌前病变中金葡菌L型检出率及其cDNA阳性表达与正常对照组差异有非常显著性(P0.005~0.01);Survivin、Ki-67蛋白和cDNA的阳性表达与正常对照组差异有显著性(P0.01~0.05),呈正相关。结论金葡菌L型感染可能与Survivin、Ki-67基因协同在小鼠肿瘤发生和发展中起重要作用。     

鼻咽癌组织ki67表达与外周血NK细胞的关系及意义

目的：研究鼻咽癌组织Ki67的表达及外周血NK细胞水平的意义。方法：检测66例鼻咽癌组织Ki67水平及与外周血NK细胞的百分含量。结果：Ki67表达阳性率为96．97％,与临床分期有关（r=0．290,P=0．030〈0．05）,与淋巴结转移状态相关性在统计学上无意义（r=0．068,P=0．412〉0．05）;放疗前中后鼻咽癌外周NK细胞水平差别均有统计学意义（前中、中后、前后F=0．513,0．627,0．623,P分别为0．005,0．004,0．000,均〈0．05）;ki67的表达与放疗后NK细胞NK值负相关（r=-0．433,P=0．017〈0．05）。结论：Ki67的表达可能与临床分期有关,可能与放疗后NK值有关;Ki67表达与外周血NK细胞水平可以提示鼻咽癌组织增殖活跃程度和机体防御系统的状态.     

The Ki-67 protein: from the known and the unknown

The expression of the human Ki-67 protein is strictly associated with cell proliferation. During interphase, the antigen can be exclusively detected within the nucleus, whereas in mitosis most of the protein is relocated to the surface of the chromosomes. The fact that the Ki-67 protein is present during all active phases of the cell cycle (G(1), S, G(2), and mitosis), but is absent from resting cells (G(0)), makes it an excellent marker for determining the so-called growth fraction of a given cell population. In the first part of this study, the term proliferation marker is discussed and examples of the applications of anti-Ki-67 protein antibodies in diagnostics of human tumors are given. The fraction of Ki-67-positive tumor cells (the Ki-67 labeling index) is often correlated with the clinical course of the disease. The best-studied examples in this context are carcinomas of the prostate and the breast. For these types of tumors, the prognostic value for survival and tumor recurrence has repeatedly been proven in uni- and multivariate analysis. The preparation of new monoclonal antibodies that react with the Ki-67 equivalent protein from rodents now extends the use of the Ki-67 protein as a proliferation marker to laboratory animals that are routinely used in basic research. The second part of this review focuses on the biology of the Ki-67 protein. Our current knowledge of the Ki-67 gene and protein structure, mRNA splicing, expression, and cellular localization during the cell-division cycle is summarized and discussed. Although the Ki-67 protein is well characterized on the molecular level and extensively used as a proliferation marker, the functional significance still remains unclear. There are indications, however, that Ki-67 protein expression is an absolute requirement for progression through the cell-division cycle.     

鼻咽癌组织ki67 表达与外周血NK 细胞的关系及意义

目的:研究鼻咽癌组织Ki67的表达及外周血NK细胞水平的意义。方法:检测66例鼻咽癌组织Ki67水平及与外周血NK细胞的百分含量。结果:Ki67表达阳性率为96.97%,与临床分期有关(r=0.290,P=0.030<0.05),与淋巴结转移状态相关性在统计学上无意义(r=0.068,P=0.412>0.05);放疗前中后鼻咽癌外周NK细胞水平差别均有统计学意义(前中、中后、前后F=0.513,0.627,0.623,P分别为0.005,0.004,0.000,均<0.05);ki67的表达与放疗后NK细胞NK值负相关(r=-0.433,P=0.017<0.05)。结论:Ki67的表达可能与临床分期有关,可能与放疗后NK值有关;Ki67表达与外周血NK细胞水平可以提示鼻咽癌组织增殖活跃程度和机体防御系统的状态。     

Three-dimensional organization of pKi-67: a comparative fluorescence and electron tomography study using FluoroNanogold.

The monoclonal antibody (MAb) Ki-67 is routinely used in clinical studies to estimate the growth fraction of tumors. However, the role of pKi-67, the protein detected by the Ki-67 MAb, remains elusive, although some biochemical data strongly suggest that it might organize chromatin. To better understand the functional organization of pKi-67, we studied its three-dimensional distribution in interphase cells by confocal microscopy and electron tomography. FluoroNanogold, a single probe combining a dense marker with a fluorescent dye, was used to investigate pKi-67 organization at the optical and ultrastructural levels. Observation by confocal microscopy followed by 3D reconstruction showed that pKi-67 forms a shell around the nucleoli. Double labeling experiments revealed that pKi-67 co-localizes with perinucleolar heterochromatin. Electron microscopy studies confirmed this close association and demonstrated that pKi-67 is located neither in the fibrillar nor in the granular components of the nucleolus. Finally, spatial analyses by electron tomography showed that pKi-67 forms cords 250-300 nm in diameter, which are themselves composed of 30-50-nm-thick fibers. These detailed comparative in situ analyses strongly suggest the involvement of pKi-67 in the higher-order organization of perinucleolar chromatin.     

Prognostic value of Ki-67 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a meta-analysis

The prognostic value of Ki-67 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) was controversial according to previous studies. We aimed to clarify the association between K-67 expression and survival in NPC through meta-analysis. We conducted a meta-analysis to explore the potential prognostic effect of Ki-67 on overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) in NPC. A total of 13 studies comprising 1314 NPC patients were included. High Ki-67 expression was associated with poor OS (hazard ratio [HR]= 2.70, 95% confidence interval [CI]= 1.97–3.71, P<0.001), DFS (HR = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.49–2.50, P<0.001), and LRFS (HR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.11–3.12, P=0.019). However, there was no significant association between Ki-67 and DMFS (HR = 1.37, 95% CI = 0.78–2.38, P=0.270). Furthermore, the prognostic role of Ki-67 was maintained throughout different sample sizes, analyses of HR, and study designs for OS and DFS in various subgroups. Elevated Ki-67 expression is a reliable prognostic factor for poorer survival outcomes in NPC.     

三阴性乳腺癌中Ki-67 的表达及其临床病理意义

目的:探讨三阴性乳腺癌中Ki-67的表达及其临床病理意义。方法:回顾性分析2010年11月1日至2015年12月31日辽宁省肿瘤医院收治的110例行乳腺癌根治术的三阴性乳腺癌患者的临床病理资料,检测其乳腺癌组织中Ki-67的表达,并分析其与患者年龄、绝经情况、组织学分型、临床分期、淋巴结转移、肿瘤大小等临床病理资料的关系。进一步采用Kaplan-Meier生存分析法绘制生存曲线,比较高表达Ki-67和低表达Ki-67患者的3年、5年生存率。结果:Ki-67在三阴性乳腺癌患者50岁以下和50岁以上相比较,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05);Ki-67在三阴性乳腺癌患者绝经情况、组织学分型、临床分期、淋巴结转移、肿瘤大小的表达相比较,差异不具有统计学意义(P0.05);高表达Ki-67组3年生存率为79.49%,5年生存率为30.77%;低Ki-67组的3年生存率为85.92%,5年生存率为46.48%;两组3年生存率相比较差异不具有统计学意义(P0.05);两组5年生存率相比较差异具有统计学意义(P0.05);两组总生存时间相比较,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:三阴性乳腺癌中Ki-67呈高表达,可作为乳腺癌预后不良的危险因素。     

USP7 promotes cell proliferation through the stabilization of Ki-67 protein in non-small cell lung cancer cells

The Ki-67 antigen (Ki-67) is the most reliable immunohistochemical marker for evaluation of cell proliferation in non-small cell lung cancer. However, the mechanisms underlying the regulation of protein levels of Ki-67 in non-small cell lung cancer have remained elusive. In this study, we found that Ki-67 and ubiquitin-specific processing protease 7 (USP7) protein were highly expressed in the nucleus of non-small cell lung cancer cells. Furthermore, statistical analysis uncovered the existence of a strong correlation between Ki-67 and USP7 levels. We could also show that the protein levels of Ki-67 in non-small cell lung cancer cells significantly decreased after treatment with P22077, a selective chemical inhibitor of USP7, while the Ki-67 mRNA levels were unperturbed. Similar results were obtained by knocking down USP7 using short hairpin RNA (shRNA) in lung cancer cells. Interestingly, we noticed that ubiquitination levels of Ki-67 increased dramatically in USP7-silenced cells. The tests in vitro and vivo showed a significant delay in tumor cell growth upon knockdown of USP7. Additionally, drug sensitivity tests indicated that USP7-silenced A549 cells had enhanced sensitivity to paclitaxel and docetaxel, while there was no significant change in sensitivity toward carboplatin and cisplatin. Taken together, these data strongly suggest that the overexpression of USP7 might promote cell proliferation by deubiquitinating Ki-67 protein, thereby maintaining its high levels in the non-small cell lung cancer. Our study also hints potential for the development of deubiquitinase-based therapies, especially those targeting USP7 to improve the condition of patients diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer.     

Expression of Ki-67, p53 and p63 proteins in keratocyst odontogenic tumours: an immunohistochemical study

Aim To investigate the immunohistochemical expression of Ki-67, p53 and p63 in Keratocyst Odontogenic Tumours (KOTs) in order to contribute to the biological profile of this tumor. Methods Immunohistochemical technique was performed using the EnVision™ System in 37 cases of KOTs. Results Ki-67- and p53-immunostained cells were mainly located in the suprabasal layers. p63-positive cells were found throughout the lining cystic epithelium. No difference in the immunostaining for these proteins was observed between primary and recurrent KOTs (Ki-67: P = 0.5591; p53: P = 0.9847; p63: P = 0.9127), or between KOTs associated with Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome (NBCCS) and sporadic KOTs (Ki-67: P = 0.7013; p53: P = 0.3197; p63: P = 0.2427). Conclusions It is possible that biological behavior of KOTs may be related to suprabasal proliferative compartment in the cystic epithelium as observed by high levels of Ki-67, p53 and p63. In addition, p63 immunostaining may represent immaturity of keratinocytes in KOTs, and suggests that this protein may participate in the regulation of epithelial cell differentiation. Taken together, these data may favor tumorigenesis on KOTs.     

胃癌组织中Tenascin、MVD、Ki-67的表达及其临床意义

目的：探讨胃癌组织中Tenascin蛋白、微血管密度（microvascular density,MVD）、Ki-67的表达及其与临床病理特征的关系。方法：采用免疫组化Elivision法检测70例胃癌组织和20例癌旁正常组织中Tenascin、CD34和Ki-67的表达。结果：①正常胃黏膜上皮Tenascin阴性,胃癌中的Tenascin主要表达于肿瘤相关纤维母细胞的胞质中,且与胃癌的Lauren分型、分化程度、临床分期、淋巴结转移显著相关（P〈0．05）;②胃癌中MVD和Ki-67-LI（标记指数）均高于正常胃黏膜（P〈0．001）,且均与胃癌的临床分期、浸润深度、淋巴结转移显著相关（P〈0．05）;结论：胃癌组织中Tenascin可抑制胃癌的演进,MVD及Ki-67可作为胃癌患者预后的预测指标,联合检测胃癌组织Tenascin、MVD、Ki-67的表达情况,对于进一步了解胃癌的生物学行为和判断预后具有一定的临床价值与意义。     

胃癌组织中Tenascin、MVD、Ki-67 的表达及其临床意义

目的:探讨胃癌组织中Tenascin蛋白、微血管密度(microvascular density,MVD)、Ki-67的表达及其与临床病理特征的关系。方法:采用免疫组化Elivision法检测70例胃癌组织和20例癌旁正常组织中Tenascin、CD34和Ki-67的表达。结果:①正常胃黏膜上皮Tenascin阴性,胃癌中的Tenascin主要表达于肿瘤相关纤维母细胞的胞质中,且与胃癌的Lauren分型、分化程度、临床分期、淋巴结转移显著相关(P<0.05);②胃癌中MVD和Ki-67-L(I标记指数)均高于正常胃黏膜(P<0.001),且均与胃癌的临床分期、浸润深度、淋巴结转移显著相关(P<0.05);结论:胃癌组织中Tenascin可抑制胃癌的演进,MVD及Ki-67可作为胃癌患者预后的预测指标,联合检测胃癌组织Tenascin、MVD、Ki-67的表达情况,对于进一步了解胃癌的生物学行为和判断预后具有一定的临床价值与意义。     

Cell cycle dependent distribution of the proliferation-associated Ki-67 antigen in human embryonic lung cells

The cell cycle-dependent distribution of the proliferation-associated Ki-67 antigen has been evaluated immunocytochemically in L-132 human fetal lung cells. The cells were synchronized and cell cycle phases were determined: G1 = 6.7 h, S = 5.4 h, G2 = 8.5 h and mitosis = 1.3 h. The Ki-67 patterns were strictly correlated with the cell cycle phases. In late G1-phase, Ki-67 antigen was present only in the perinucleolar region. In the S-phase, Ki-67 staining was found homogeneously in the karyoplasm and in the perinucleolar region. G2-phase cells contained a finely granular Ki-67 staining in the karyoplasm with Ki-67-positive specks and perinucleolar staining. In early mitotic cells (pro- and metaphase) an intense perichromosomal Ki-67 staining was observed in addition to a homogeneously stained karyoplasm in prophase, and cytoplasm in metaphase. During ana- and telophase the Ki-67 antigen disappeared rapidly. In resting cells there was no Ki-67 staining.     

Prognostic and predictive significance of p53, EGFr,Ki-67 in larynx preservation treatment

Background

The optimal management of advanced laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers (L&HC) must involve consideration of both survival and functional effect of the given treatment approach. Despite over two decades of investigations of several treatment options, including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or some combinations thereof, little consensus exists as to which treatment offers the best survival, together with functional speech and swallowing.

Aim

To determine predictive and prognostic value of p53, EGFr, Ki-67 in patients with advanced laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer, treated with larynx preservation intent.

Materials and methods

Thirty-three patients received 2–3 cycles of induction chemotherapy (ICHT) consisting of cisplatin and fluoruracil and underwent subsequent radical radiotherapy. Immunohistochemical analyzes of p53, EGFr and Ki-67 were performed.

Results

Response to ICHT was obtained in 24 patients (75%). Better response to ICHT was correlated only with EGFr expression (p = 0.04, RR = 1.91). The 5-year loco-regional control (LRC) and disease-specific survival (DSS) rates were 48% and 57%, respectively. The 5-year larynx preservation rate was 68% in responders to ICHT compared to 21% in non-responders (p = 0.02). It was also higher in patients without EGFr expression (but not significantly, p = 0.43).

Conclusion

Lack of EGFr expression is a favorable predictive factor for response to ICHT. Neither p53 nor Ki-67 have predictive and prognostic value in larynx preservation treatment.