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Analysis of pituitary adenoma expression patterns suggests a potential role for the NeuroD1 transcription factor in

Lubov Borisovna Mitrofanova1, Olga Mikhailovna Vorobeva1, Andrey Nikolaevich Gorshkov1,2

  • 1Almazov National Medical Research Center, St. Petersburg, Russia.

Oncotarget
|February 6, 2019
PubMed

Insights

NeuroD1 (Neurogenic differentiation 1) is highly expressed in pituitary tumors compared to normal glands. This suggests NeuroD1 is crucial in pituitary adenoma development and a potential target for new therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • The role of NeuroD1 in pituitary adenoma pathogenesis is not well understood.
  • Previous studies on NeuroD1 expression patterns in the pituitary have yielded conflicting results.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression patterns of the NeuroD1 transcription factor in various pituitary adenomas and normal adult human pituitary glands.
  • To clarify NeuroD1's role in the biology of the normal pituitary and in the development of pituitary tumors.

Main Methods:

  • Immunohistochemistry was performed on 48 pituitary adenomas and 9 normal pituitary glands.
  • Antibodies against NeuroD1, 6 adenohypophyseal hormones, Ki-67, and CK7 were used.
  • Confocal laser scanning microscopy, electron microscopy, and electron immunocytochemistry were employed for detailed analysis.

Main Results:

  • NeuroD1 expression was detected in all analyzed pituitary adenoma types and normal pituitary glands.
  • The average number of NeuroD1-expressing cells was significantly higher in pituitary adenomas than in normal pituitary tissue (p=0.006).
  • NeuroD1 expression was confirmed across multiple methods in specific tumor types, validating its presence.

Conclusions:

  • NeuroD1 plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of pituitary tumors, irrespective of their hormonal classification.
  • Pituitary adenomas exhibit significantly higher NeuroD1 expression levels compared to normal pituitary glands.
  • NeuroD1 expression did not correlate reliably with studied hormones or Ki-67, indicating its potential as a distinct therapeutic target.
Keywords:
NeuroD1 transcription factorconfocal laser scanning microscopyelectron immunocytochemistrypituitary adenoma

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