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Beta-catenin nuclear expression correlates with cyclin D1 expression in primary and metastatic synovial sarcoma: a
Andrew E Horvai1, Miranda J Kramer, Richard O'Donnell
1Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94114-1656, USA. andho@itsa.ucsf.edu
Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
|June 3, 2006
Summary
Aberrant nuclear beta-catenin is linked to cyclin D1 overexpression in synovial sarcoma (SS). This association is established early in SS development, suggesting a common pathway for these molecular markers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Pathology
Background:
- Aberrant beta-catenin and cyclin D1 accumulation are observed in various cancers.
- While aberrant beta-catenin has prognostic value in synovial sarcoma (SS), its relationship with cyclin D1 is not well-defined.
- The SYT-SSX fusion protein in SS may contribute to increased cyclin D1 levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between nuclear beta-catenin and cyclin D1 overexpression in SS.
- To compare the expression of these markers in primary versus metastatic SS.
Main Methods:
- Tissue array analysis of 82 SS tumors.
- Fluorescence in situ hybridization to confirm t(X;18) translocation.
- Immunohistochemical staining for nuclear beta-catenin and cyclin D1.
Main Results:
- Of 51 t(X;18)-positive SS tumors, 41 were primary and 10 metastatic.
- Cyclin D1 and nuclear beta-catenin were detected in 59% and 41% of primary SS, and 80% and 70% of metastatic SS, respectively.
- Nuclear beta-catenin expression significantly correlated with cyclin D1 (P < .001).
Conclusions:
- Overexpressed cyclin D1 in SS is likely driven by aberrant beta-catenin, mirroring findings in other neoplasms.
- The expression patterns of beta-catenin and cyclin D1 are established early in SS tumorigenesis.
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