S-100 protein as a marker for melanocytic and other tumours

The majority of melanocytic tumours are easily diagnosed but they become a problem when they are amelanotic and the tumour cells resemble those of other tumours. This applies particularly to secondary melanoma. Detection of S100 protein is a useful identifying marker. S100 protein, so named for its solubility in saturated ammonium sulphate, is derived from brain tissue. It is a dimer and belongs to a calcium binding group of proteins. The protein was first thought to be in neural or neural crest derived tissues but has been found in chondrocytes, adipocytes, myoepithelial cells, dendritic cells of lymphoid tissue, Langerhans cells and T lymphocytes. The protein is present in a high proportion of malignant melanomas and nevocytic nevi of skin, but is less positive in eye melanomas. It is present in gliomas, Schwannomas and neurofibromas but not in neurone derived tumours such as neuroblastomas. Chondromas, chondrosarcomas, liposarcomas, some osteogenic sarcomas and some histiocytic tumours are positive. The tumours that do not contain S100 protein are listed. Pending development of melanoma-directed monoclonal antibodies, the use of anti-serum to S100 protein plus anti-keratin and anti-leukocyte reagents is useful in the identification of tumours of doubtful histogenesis.