Dysregulation of ezrin expression and phosphorylation in Uterine Leiomyoma

Abstract

Uterine Leiomyoma (UL) is a major source of gynecologic and reproductive dysfunction in females of reproductive age. They are highly fibrotic tumors with evident disturbance of the mechano-transduction molecules. Ezrin acts as a dynamic linkage between the cytoskeleton and the membrane-associated proteins known to be dysregulated in tumorigenesis. Aim of the study: The current study aimed to profile the expression of ezrin, phospho-ezrin, and their upstream effector molecules; RhoA and ROCK1 in UL, their adjacent tissues, and control myometrium. Materials and Methods: Ezrin, phospho-ezrin, RhoA and ROCK1 mRNA and proteins were assayed in the tissue lysate of fibroid, and adjacent myometrium of 43 pre-menopausal women with symptomatic UL and 18 non-fibroid myometrium as a control group. Results: Tissue levels of ezrin, phospho-ezrin, RhoA and Rock in fibroid and adjacent tissues were higher compared to the control tissue. Moreover, the levels of phospho-ezrin and total RhoA proteins showed higher levels in fibroid compared to adjacent tissues. Phospho-ezrin and ROCK1 mRNA correlated positively with both uterine and fibroid size. Conclusion: Ezrin, phospho-ezrin, and RhoA-ROCK upregulation in leiomyoma and its adjacent myometrium signify the central role of ezrin and its upstream and downstream effector on the pathogenesis and progression of UL.