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Beclin 1, LC3 and P62 Expression in Equine Sarcoids
Manuela Martano1, Gennaro Altamura1, Karen Power1
1Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino 1, 80137 Naples, Italy.
Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI
|January 11, 2022
Summary
Bovine papillomaviruses (BPV) activate early autophagy in equine sarcoids but impair later stages. This autophagy impairment may promote fibroblast survival and collagen production in these common equine skin tumors.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- δ-bovine papillomaviruses (BPV-1, BPV-2, BPV-13) are primary causes of equine sarcoids, the most prevalent equine skin tumors.
- Viruses, including papillomaviruses, manipulate autophagy, a cellular process for degrading and recycling damaged components.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of key autophagy proteins (Beclin 1, LC3, P62) in BPV-1/2 positive equine sarcoids.
- To compare autophagy protein expression in neoplastic equine fibroblasts versus normal skin.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot (WB) analyses were performed on 35 BPV1/2 positive equine sarcoids and 5 normal skin samples.
- Expression levels of Beclin 1, LC3, and P62 proteins were quantified.
Main Results:
- Strong-to-moderate cytoplasmic immunostaining for Beclin 1 and P62 was observed in over 60% of neoplastic fibroblasts.
- Weak-to-moderate LC3 immunostaining was present in 60% of neoplastic fibroblasts.
- Western blot confirmed Beclin 1 overexpression but indicated no overall autophagic flux activation.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest initial autophagy activation followed by impairment in later stages within equine sarcoids.
- Impaired autophagy may contribute to the survival of quiescent fibroblasts in hypoxic conditions, leading to altered collagen production.
