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[Intracellular distribution of beta-catenin in soft tissue tumors]
C Kuhnen1, P Herter, H U Steinau
1Institut für Pathologie, Weichteiltumorregister, Berufsgenossenschaftliche Kliniken Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-Universität Bochum.
Aims:
beta-Catenin originally known as an intracellular mediator of epithelial cell-to-cell adhesion is also involved in signal transduction processes. Since its important function in colorectal carcinogenesis has recently been recognized, the aim of our study was to investigate whether a similar intracellular distribution of beta-catenin can be detected in sarcomas and sarcoma-like lesions.
Methods:
45 soft tissue tumors were examined by immunohistochemistry.
Results:
Different types of beta-catenin-distribution were observed: A more continuous localization at the cell membrane was evident especially in epithelioid-like sarcomas. In contrast only focal staining of cell membranes could be found in different tumors as well. Further on increased cytoplasmatic beta-catenin levels were detected in various types of tumors.
Conclusions:
The localization of beta-catenin at the cell membrane serves as a hint for a function of beta-catenin in cell adhesion of mesenchymal tumors apart from epithelial tissues. A nuclear and intracellular accumulation of beta-catenin has been observed in progression of colorectal tumors. The findings of increased levels of beta-catenin in soft tissue tumors may indicate a similar important function in the pathogenesis of these neoplasias.