The expression of protein kinaseCK2 in preterm newborns

Monika Wójtowicz-Marzec, PhD

Janusz Kocki, Prof.Department of Clinical Genetics, Department of Medical Genetics in Lublin, Poland

Neonatal Department, Department of Obstetrics Clinic and Pathology of Pregnancy in Lublin, Poland

Casein kinase 2 as a holoenzyme

Protein kinase CK2: structure, regulation and role in cellular decisions of life and death David W. LITCHFIELD

α

ßß

α

Regulatory subunitsαα

αα’

ßß

α’α’

αα’ßß

ααßß

α’α’ßß

• CSNK2A1α

• CSNK2A2α’

• CSNK2Bß

Casein kinase CK2- unique features1. ubiquitous in eucariotic organism

2. conservative structure

3. over 300 substrats

4. unique ability to utilize GTP as a phosphate donor in place of ATP

5. Activity as a holoenzyme and separate subunits

6. Role in: transcription, translation, cell cycle, proliferation, morfogenesis, oncogenesis, apoptosis, inflamatory response, activation of viruses

Aim

The aim of this study was the analysis of expression structural subunits of protein kinase CK2:

CSNK2A1,

CSNK2A2,

CSNK2B

in preterm newborns and fullterm newborns.

Material and MethodsThe overall group consisted of 75 patients. 25 control group (healthy full term newborns) 30 preterm newborns 20 full term newborns with disturbed neonatal periodStatistical analysis was mainly focused on significant

correlation between the expression of CSNK2A1 CSNK2A2 CSNK2Bin diagnostic groups.

All procedures were approved by Ethical Committee of Medical University of Lublin and mothers.

Gene expression was analyzed by Semiquantitative Real-Time PCR.

Short version of characteristics of the analyzed groups

Control[25]

64% girls

39,7 hbd

3554g [2460-4570g]

20% cesarian section

Preterm[30]

50% girls

34,2 hbd

2245 g [900-3660]

63% intrauterineinfection

60% respiratory failure

23% low Apgar scoreat 5 min <7)

13% congenitalanomalies

19% cesarian section

Full term[20]

50% girls

39,8 hbd

3641 g[2870-4560g]

25% intrauterineinfection

10% respiratory failure

10% low Apgar scoreat 5 min <7

5% congenitalanomalies

10% cesarian section

Mean expression of CSNK2A1, CSNK2A2, CSNK2B in control group, preterm newborns and full term newborns.

CSNK2B

control

CSNK2A1

control

CSNK2A2

control

CSNK2B

preterm

CSNK2A1

preterm

CSNK2A2

preterm

CSNK2B

Full term

CSNK2A1

Full term

CSNK2A2

Full term

CSNK2B

control

0,8997 0,7805 -0,0978 -0,3097 -0,2225 0,2625 0,3429 0,3692

p=0,000 p=0,003 p=0,762 p=0,327 p=0,487 p=0,410 p=0,275 p=0,238

CSNK2A1

control

0,8997 0,6611 -0,1090 -0,2707 -0,1323 0,1238 0,1663 0,2261

p=0,000 p=0,019 p=0,736 p=0,395 p=0,682 p=0,701 p=0,606 p=0,480

CSNK2A2

control

0,7805 0,6611 0,0165 -0,2186 -0,2422 -0,1458 -0,0371 -0,0611

p=0,003 p=0,019 p=0,959 p=0,495 p=0,448 p=0,651 p=0,909 p=0,850

CSNK2B

preterm

-0,0978 -0,1090 0,0165 0,3175 0,1666 -0,0467 -0,0512 -0,0996

p=0,762 p=0,736 p=0,959 p=0,315 p=0,605 p=0,885 p=0,875 p=0,758

CSNK2A1

preterm

-0,3097 -0,2707 -0,2186 0,3175 0,6718 -0,0021 -0,1668 -0,2117

p=0,327 p=0,395 p=0,495 p=0,315 p=0,017 p=0,995 p=0,604 p=0,509

CSNK2A2

preterm

-0,2225 -0,1323 -0,2422 0,1666 0,6718 -0,2738 -0,1821 -0,1194

p=0,487 p=0,682 p=0,448 p=0,605 p=0,017 p=0,389 p=0,571 p=0,712

CSNK2B

Full term

0,2625 0,1238 -0,1458 -0,0467 -0,0021 -0,2738 0,8125 0,7528

p=0,410 p=0,701 p=0,651 p=0,885 p=0,995 p=0,389 p=0,001 p=0,005

CSNK2A1

Full term

0,3429 0,1663 -0,0371 -0,0512 -0,1668 -0,1821 0,8125 0,9840

p=0,275 p=0,606 p=0,909 p=0,875 p=0,604 p=0,571 p=0,001 p=0,000

CSNK2A2

Full term

0,3692 0,2261 -0,0611 -0,0996 -0,2117 -0,1194 0,7528 0,9840

p=0,238 p=0,480 p=0,850 p=0,758 p=0,509 p=0,712 p=0,005 p=0,000

Results

This study revealed statistical significant higher expression of all structural subunits of CK2 in preterm newborns.

Worth noticing was over twofold expression of CSNK2B in each group what might to support the thesis of autonomous expression and function of regulatory β subunit protein kinase CK2

Conclusion

This study is the first that analyses protein kinase CK2 in aspect of neonatal period and need furtherevaluation.

Prematurity characterizes highest expression of CK2 in comparison to full term newborns. This observation may suggest more intense phosphorylation processes in immature newborns. Overexpression of protein kinase CK2 may be also determinant of pathological processes like inflammatory response, viral infection or perinatalinjury.

This results reveal protein kinase CK2 as a potent pharmacological target that may influence on pathologic processes in preterm newborns.