OBJECTIVETo examine the subcellular location of UCA1, a non-coding RNA, analyze its tissue expression pattern, and investigate the relationship between UCA1 expression and bladder carcinoma progression.

METHODSElectron microscopic in situ hybridization technique was employed to determine the subcellular localization of UCA1 gene. RT-PCR was used to detect its mRNA expression level in various tissues.

RESULTSElectron microscopy identified scattered colloidal gold particles on the cell membrane and massive homogeneously distributed particles in the cytoplasm without specific aggregation in the cells; scattered particles were also detected in the cell nuclei. UCA1 gene was overexpressed in the chorionic villi, placenta and fetal bladder tissues. In adult human tissues, UCA1 gene was not expressed except in the heart and spleen. The expression level of UCA1 was increased in 8 common tumor tissues as compared with that in the corresponding normal tissues. UCA1 mRNA was not detected in normal bladder, normal kidney, renal cancer or hyperplastic prostate tissues, but highly expressed in cancerous bladder tissues.

CONCLUSIONUCA1 gene locates in the cytoplasm, and its mRNA expression level is closely correlated to the progression of bladder cancer, indication its potential as a specific molecular marker of bladder cancer.