Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 13, 2026

Human Neuroendocrine Tumor Cell Lines as a Three-Dimensional Model for the Study of Human Neuroendocrine Tumor Therapy
Published on: August 14, 2012
EZH2 Expression in Intestinal Neuroendocrine Tumors
Pinuccia Faviana1, Riccardo Marconcini2, Sergio Ricci2
1Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area.
Abstract:
Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) arise from the cells present throughout the diffuse endocrine system. These neoplasms were previously regarded as rare, but in fact are increasing in incidence (3.65/100 000 individuals/y). Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) plays a crucial role in cell cycle regulation, and it was reported to be overexpressed in several tumors. The aim of the study was to investigate EZH2 expression, also related with proliferation rate, and p53 expression in NETs of the intestine encompassing a group of tumors primary to the stomach, appendix, small intestine, and colon. The specimens from 33 patients with neuroendrocrine tumors were investigated by immunohistochemistry for EZH2, p53, and Ki-67. Only 10 of 33 (30.3%) cases showed high EZH2 expression. High EZH2 levels significantly associated with elevated proliferation rates (P=0.0012) and with elevated percentage of positive cells for p53 (P=0.011). Our results suggest an association between p53 and the EZH2 pathway in NETs. EZH2 could represent a potential target antigen in cancer immunotherapy.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Anatomy of the Intestines
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the...
Small Intestine
The small intestine is divided into three main sections - the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. The duodenum, approximately 25 cm long, is nearest the stomach. It acts as a 'mixing bowl,' where chyme (partially digested food) blends with digestive enzymes from the pancreas and liver. The duodenum's unique...
Large Intestine
The ileocecal sphincter, a mucous membrane fold, guards the opening from the ileum to the large intestine. This valve permits material from the small intestine to pass into the large intestine. Attached to the ileocecal valve is the cecum. This small pouch, approximately 6 cm long, has a twisted, coiled tube known as...
Histology of the Large Intestine
The innermost mucosa layer comprises simple columnar epithelium, lamina propria, and muscularis mucosae. This layer is primarily populated with absorptive cells, tasked with water absorption, and goblet cells, responsible for secreting mucus to...
Chromatin Position Affects Gene Expression
Topologically Associated Domains (TADs)
The 3-dimensional positioning of chromatin in the nucleus influences the...
Histology of the Small Intestine
The intestinal lining features transverse folds called circular folds, each housing fingerlike projections known as intestinal villi. These villi are covered by a layer of simple columnar epithelium, also referred to as...

