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Desmoglein 3 (Dsg3) expression in cancer: A tissue microarray study on 15,869 tumors
Florian Viehweger1, Ahmad Azem1, Natalia Gorbokon1
1Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
Pathology, Research and Practice
|November 14, 2022
Summary
Desmoglein-3 (Dsg3) is highly expressed in squamous cell carcinomas, and its loss correlates with tumor dedifferentiation. Dsg3 immunohistochemistry can help identify squamous differentiation in other cancers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Immunohistochemistry
Background:
- Desmoglein-3 (Dsg3) is a key cell adhesion molecule in epithelial tissues.
- Altered Dsg3 expression is implicated in various cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively analyze Dsg3 expression across a wide range of normal and neoplastic human tissues.
- To correlate Dsg3 expression with clinicopathological features in different cancer types.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was performed on a large tissue microarray (15,869 tumor samples, 608 normal tissue samples).
- Dsg3 staining intensity and patterns were evaluated.
- Statistical analysis was used to associate Dsg3 expression with clinicopathological parameters.
Main Results:
- Dsg3 expression was detected in 34.3% of tumor categories, predominantly in squamous cell carcinomas (71.2-97.3%).
- High Dsg3 expression correlated with invasive growth and advanced stage in urothelial and colorectal cancers.
- Reduced Dsg3 expression was associated with high grade in squamous cell carcinomas.
Conclusions:
- Dsg3 expression is a hallmark of squamous cell carcinomas.
- Loss of Dsg3 expression indicates tumor dedifferentiation.
- Dsg3 immunohistochemistry may aid in diagnosing focal squamous differentiation in other neoplasms.
