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HSP32 and HSP90 Immunoexpression, in Relation to Kit Pattern, Grading, and Mitotic Count in Canine Cutaneous Mast
M Romanucci1, M Massimini1, A Ciccarelli2
11 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy.
Abstract:
Literature data indicate heat shock protein (Hsp) 32 and 90 as potential molecular targets in canine neoplastic mast cells (MCs). However, their immunoexpression patterns in canine mast cell tumors (MCTs) have not been investigated. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of Hsp32 and Hsp90 in 22 canine cutaneous MCTs, in relation to KIT immunolabeling pattern, histological grade, and mitotic count. All cases showed cytoplasmic labeling of Hsp90, variably associated with nuclear and/or membranous labeling. Relationships of Hsp90 or Hsp32 immunolabeling with KIT pattern, mitotic count, and tumor grade were not observed. However, the reduced Hsp32 immunoexpression observed in most grade III/high-grade MCTs suggests a tendency toward a loss of immunosignal in poorly differentiated MCs. The great heterogeneity in extent and distribution of Hsp90 immunoexpression among the different MCT cases may also partially explain the difficulties in predicting the in vivo biologic activity of Hsp90 inhibitors on canine MCTs.
Insights
Heat shock proteins (Hsp) 32 and 90 were studied in canine mast cell tumors (MCTs). Reduced Hsp32 was seen in high-grade MCTs, suggesting potential in poorly differentiated tumors.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Heat shock proteins (Hsp) 32 and 90 are implicated as molecular targets in canine neoplastic mast cells (MCs).
- Immunohistochemical patterns of Hsp32 and Hsp90 in canine mast cell tumors (MCTs) remain uninvestigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of Hsp32 and Hsp90 in canine cutaneous MCTs.
- To correlate Hsp expression with KIT immunolabeling, histological grade, and mitotic count.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was performed on 22 canine cutaneous MCT samples.
- Analysis focused on cytoplasmic, nuclear, and membranous labeling patterns of Hsp32 and Hsp90.
- Correlations were assessed against KIT patterns, histological grade, and mitotic counts.
Main Results:
- All cases exhibited cytoplasmic Hsp90 labeling, with variable nuclear/membranous co-expression.
- No significant relationships were found between Hsp90 or Hsp32 expression and KIT pattern, mitotic count, or tumor grade.
- A trend towards reduced Hsp32 immunoexpression was observed in high-grade (grade III) MCTs.
Conclusions:
- Reduced Hsp32 expression in high-grade MCTs suggests potential loss of immunosignal in poorly differentiated mast cells.
- Heterogeneity in Hsp90 expression may complicate predicting the efficacy of Hsp90 inhibitors in canine MCTs.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise roles of Hsp32 and Hsp90 in canine MCT pathogenesis and treatment.
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