OBJECTIVETo detect the expression of skp2 and p27kip1 in human renal cell carcinoma (RCC) using tissue chip technique, and evaluate the relationship between the proteins and the biological behavior of RCC.

METHODSTissue chip technique and immunohistochemical SP method was used to detect the expression of skp2 and p27kip1 in normal and tumor tissues.

RESULTSThe positivity rate of Skp2 in RCC was significantly higher than that in normal renal tissues (P=0.025). The positivity rate of Skp2 expression in RCC was significantly correlated to poor differentiation of the tumor (P=0.002), and was not associated with the patients gender, age, tumor size, lymph node metastasis and stages of RCC (P>0.05). The positivity rate of p27kip1 in RCC was significantly lower than that in normal renal tissues (P=0.007). The positivity rate of p27kip1 expression was inversely correlated to the malignancy and stage of RCC (P<0.05), but not with the patients' age, gender, lymph node metastasis and tumor size (P>0.05). An inverse correlation was noted between Skp2 and p27kip1 expressions (r= -0.273, P=0.014).

CONCLUSIONOverexpression of Skp2 protein may lead to decreased p27kip1 level in RCC, indicating its involvement in the carcinogenesis and development of RCC.