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Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript in neuroendocrine tumors
Kalle Landerholm1, Sture E Falkmer, Johannes Järhult
1Department of Surgery, Ryhov Hospital, Jönköping, Sweden.
Neuroendocrinology
|August 12, 2011
Summary
Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) is produced in most neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). This finding may aid in diagnosing NETs using both blood and tissue samples.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) is a peptide hormone involved in appetite regulation.
- CART is expressed in various endocrine tissues and neurons.
- Elevated plasma CART levels are observed in neuroendocrine tumor (NET) patients, but cellular sources remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate CART expression in different types of NETs.
- To determine the frequency, distribution, and cellular phenotype of CART-expressing cells within NETs.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization were used to analyze 133 NET specimens.
- CART expression was quantified and co-localized with established markers and hormones.
Main Results:
- CART-expressing cells were detected in the majority of NETs studied.
- CART expression patterns varied significantly between and within tumors.
- In 14% of NETs, CART was expressed by a substantial population of tumor cells.
Conclusions:
- CART is produced by most NETs, irrespective of their origin.
- This explains elevated circulating CART levels in some NET patients.
- CART may serve as a valuable diagnostic marker for NETs in blood and tissue samples.
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