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PKCtheta expression in gastrointestinal stromal tumor
Kyoung-Mee Kim1, Dong Wook Kang, Woo Sung Moon
1Department of Pathology, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Korea.
Summary
Protein kinase C theta (PKCtheta) is a potential diagnostic marker for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), especially in c-kit-negative cases. This study found PKCtheta to be highly expressed in GISTs, aiding in diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are typically KIT gene-mutated and c-kit protein-expressing.
- A subset of GISTs (~5%) are c-kit negative despite suspicious histology, necessitating alternative diagnostic markers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of Protein Kinase C theta (PKCtheta) in GISTs.
- To evaluate PKCtheta's utility as a diagnostic marker, particularly for c-kit-negative cases.
- To correlate PKCtheta expression with other immunohistochemical profiles and genetic mutations in GISTs.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical staining for PKCtheta, c-kit, CD34, alpha-smooth muscle actin (SMA), and S-100 protein on 220 GIST samples.
- Genetic analysis of KIT and PDGFRA genes in c-kit-negative or PKCtheta-negative cases.
Main Results:
- PKCtheta was positive in 96% (212/220) and c-kit in 98% (216/220) of GISTs.
- Of 212 PKCtheta-positive GISTs, 98% were c-kit positive.
- Genetic analysis revealed KIT or PDGFRA mutations in cases with negative PKCtheta or c-kit expression.
Conclusions:
- PKCtheta is a highly sensitive and specific marker for GISTs.
- PKCtheta immunostaining, alongside c-kit, can serve as a valuable diagnostic tool for GISTs.
- PKCtheta may play a role in GIST development.