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Abl expression, tumour grade, and apoptosis in chondrosarcoma
M O'Donovan1, J M Russell, J J O'Leary
1Department of Histopathology, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
Molecular Pathology : MP
|April 5, 2000
Summary
Abl protein expression correlates with chondrosarcoma grade and cell kinetics. Strong Abl staining was observed in lower-grade tumors, suggesting its role in differentiation and apoptosis inhibition.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Chondrosarcoma is a malignant bone tumor.
- The role of Abl oncoprotein in chondrosarcoma development and progression is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between Abl immunoreactivity and clinicopathological features, including grade and cell kinetics (apoptosis and mitosis), in chondrosarcoma.
- To examine Abl protein synthesis during endochondral ossification in fetal development.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical staining for c-Abl/Bcr-Abl oncoprotein in 16 chondrosarcoma samples and 24 human fetal rib samples.
- Assessment of apoptotic and mitotic indices in all tumors.
Main Results:
- Abl staining was predominantly nuclear in immature fetal chondrocytes and decreased in hypertrophic chondrocytes.
- Strong Abl immunoreactivity was found in grade 1 and 2 chondrosarcomas, but was reduced or absent in grade 3.
- A significant linear correlation was observed between apoptotic and mitotic indices, with lower indices in grade 1 tumors.
Conclusions:
- Abl gene expression appears associated with differentiation and apoptosis inhibition in both fetal and neoplastic chondrocytes.
- While Abl protein plays a role, other factors also regulate chondrocyte differentiation and apoptosis.