Slit2 and Robo1 expression as biomarkers for assessing prognosis in brain glioma patients

Abstract Objectives This study was conducted to investigate the clinical significance of Slit2 and Robo1 expression in prognosis of patients with brain gliomas. Methods Human brain tissue samples were collected from normal glial tissues (control), low- and high-grade glioma tissues. Slit2 and Robo1 expression levels in cells were assessed by an immunohistochemistry (IHC), and population of the Slit2- and Robo1-presenting patients was examined. The Slit2 and Robo1 mRNA expression levels in three types of the brain cells was determined by RT-PCR. Results Slit2+ cell counts were decreased with increased Robo1+ cells in the low-grade and high-grade glioma tissues as compared to the control. The percentage of cells expressing Slit2 decreased from the control to the high-grade glioma and the percentage of cells expressing Robo1 in low- and high-grade gliomas was increased as compared to the control (P