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HGF/c-met system targeting PI3K/AKT and STAT3/phosphorylated-STAT3 pathways in pituitary adenomas: an

Maria Trovato1, Maria Luisa Torre, Marta Ragonese

  • 1Department of Human Pathology, Pad D 4 piano-AOU Policlinico "G. Martino", via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98125, Messina, Italy, mariatrovato@tin.it.

Endocrine
|April 12, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and c-met are expressed in pituitary adenomas (PA), correlating with pAkt signaling. This suggests a role for pAkt in PA growth and angiogenesis, potentially guiding targeted therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology and Oncology
  • Molecular Signaling Pathways

Background:

  • The hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-met signaling pathway regulates cellular growth and angiogenesis.
  • This pathway involves downstream effectors like PI3K/phospho-Akt and STAT3/phospho-STAT3.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression of HGF/c-met pathway molecules in pituitary adenomas (PA).
  • To explore the correlation between these molecules and tumor characteristics, including size and vascularization.

Main Methods:

  • Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze the expression of HGF, c-met, PI3K (p85α subunit), pAkt, STAT3, and pSTAT3 in 30 archival PA samples.
  • Tumor characteristics (functioning/non-functioning, macro/microadenomas) were considered.

Main Results:

  • All six proteins were expressed in PA tumor epithelial cells.
  • Expression levels showed specific patterns (e.g., c-met > HGF, pAkt > PI3K, STAT3 > pSTAT3).
  • Endothelial Akt immunostaining was more frequent in macroadenomas, correlating with tumor size and suggesting increased angiogenesis.

Conclusions:

  • HGF and c-met are widely expressed in PA and correlate with pAkt expression.
  • The findings highlight a significant role for pAkt signaling in pituitary adenoma growth and angiogenesis.
  • These results may inform targeted therapeutic strategies for pituitary adenomas.

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