Thus, SMAD4 might be an independent predictor of survival for glioma patients. In our study, which consisted

of a large sample (n = 252), SMAD4 expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry, real-time PCR and Western blot analysis. Thus, a large sample size, a good methodology and a detailed clinical follow-up in our study make it reliable. In conclusion, our data provides convincing evidence for the first time that the reduced check details expression of SMAD4 at gene and protein levels is correlated with poor outcome in patients with glioma. SMAD4 may play an inhibitive role during the development of glioma and may be a potential prognosis predictor of glioma. References 1. Li X, Wang L, Gu JW, Li B, Liu WP, Wang YG, Zhang X, Zhen HN, Fei Z: Up-regulation of EphA2

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