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Trail overexpression inversely correlates with histological differentiation in intestinal-type sinonasal
M Re1, A Santarelli, M Mascitti
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Marche Polytechnic University, 60121 Ancona, Italy.
Introduction:
Despite their histological resemblance to colorectal adenocarcinoma, there is some information about the molecular events involved in the pathogenesis of intestinal-type sinonasal adenocarcinomas (ITACs). To evaluate the possible role of TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) gene defects in ITAC, by investigating the immunohistochemical expression of TRAIL gene product in a group of ethmoidal ITACs associated with occupational exposure.
Material And Methods:
Retrospective study on 23 patients with pathological diagnosis of primary ethmoidal ITAC. Representative formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded block from each case was selected for immunohistochemical studies using the antibody against TRAIL. Clinicopathological data were also correlated with the staining results.
Results:
The immunohistochemical examination demonstrated that poorly differentiated cases showed a higher percentage of TRAIL expressing cells compared to well-differentiated cases. No correlation was found with other clinicopathological parameters, including T, stage and relapses.
Conclusion:
The relationship between upregulation of TRAIL and poorly differentiated ethmoidal adenocarcinomas suggests that the mutation of this gene, in combination with additional genetic events, could play a role in the pathogenesis of ITAC.
Insights
Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) gene defects may play a role in ethmoidal intestinal-type adenocarcinomas (ITACs). Poorly differentiated ITACs showed higher TRAIL expression, suggesting its involvement in ITAC pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Pathology
- Head and Neck Cancer Research
Background:
- Intestinal-type sinonasal adenocarcinomas (ITACs) share histological similarities with colorectal adenocarcinoma.
- The molecular pathogenesis of ITACs, particularly the role of TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), is not fully understood.
- Occupational exposures are implicated in the development of ethmoidal ITACs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immunohistochemical expression of TRAIL in ethmoidal ITACs.
- To evaluate the potential role of TRAIL gene defects in the pathogenesis of ITAC.
- To correlate TRAIL expression with clinicopathological parameters in ITAC patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 23 primary ethmoidal ITAC cases.
- Immunohistochemical staining for TRAIL using specific antibodies.
- Correlation of TRAIL expression with clinicopathological data (differentiation, T stage, overall stage, relapses).
Main Results:
- Immunohistochemistry revealed higher TRAIL-expressing cells in poorly differentiated ITACs compared to well-differentiated cases.
- No significant correlation was observed between TRAIL expression and T stage, overall stage, or relapse status.
- TRAIL expression varied among the studied ITAC cohort.
Conclusions:
- Upregulation of TRAIL in poorly differentiated ethmoidal adenocarcinomas suggests its potential involvement in ITAC pathogenesis.
- TRAIL gene mutations, possibly in conjunction with other genetic alterations, may contribute to ITAC development.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise role of TRAIL in ITAC progression.
