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Bcl-2 expression in Langerhans' cell histiocytosis
V H Savell1, T Sherman, R H Scheuermann
1Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, USA.
Summary
Bcl-2, a protein that prevents cell death, is overexpressed in Langerhans
Area of Science:
- Immunohistochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Langerhans' cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a clonal disorder characterized by abnormal dendritic histiocyte accumulation.
- The proto-oncogene bcl-2 inhibits apoptosis, and its overexpression is implicated in various neoplasms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate bcl-2 expression in normal and LCH Langerhans' cells.
- To determine if bcl-2 gene rearrangement contributes to LCH pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry for bcl-2 protein detection.
- In situ hybridization for bcl-2 mRNA analysis.
- Southern blot analysis for bcl-2 gene rearrangement.
Main Results:
- Bcl-2 protein and mRNA were not detected in normal skin Langerhans' cells.
- Bcl-2 protein was expressed in 11/13 LCH cases; mRNA was detected in 12/13 LCH cases.
- Southern analysis showed no genomic rearrangement of the bcl-2 gene in LCH.
Conclusions:
- Bcl-2 is upregulated in pathological Langerhans' cells in LCH.
- The overexpression of bcl-2 in LCH is not due to genomic rearrangement.