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E-Cadherin Immunostaining in Equine Melanocytic Tumors
José Pimenta1,2,3, Isabel Pires1,2,3, Justina Prada1,2,3
1Veterinary Sciences Department, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal.
Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI
|July 14, 2023
Summary
Equine melanomas show high E-cadherin expression, unlike in other species. This sustained expression may explain the typically benign behavior and low invasiveness of these horse tumors.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Melanocytic tumors exhibit species-specific behaviors.
- Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and E-cadherin loss are linked to invasion in human and small animal tumors.
- Equine melanocytic tumors rarely invade or metastasize.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate E-cadherin immunolabeling in equine melanocytic tumors.
- To correlate E-cadherin expression with clinicopathological variables in horses.
- To understand the role of E-cadherin in equine melanoma behavior.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 72 equine melanocytic tumors.
- Classification of tumors as benign or malignant.
- Immunohistochemistry to assess E-cadherin expression.
Main Results:
- A distinct E-cadherin immunostaining pattern was observed in equine tumors.
- 69.4% of tumors showed elevated E-cadherin immunolabeling.
- 70.7% of melanomas maintained high E-cadherin expression; no loss was seen in malignant cases.
- No significant difference in E-cadherin expression between benign and malignant equine melanomas.
Conclusions:
- High E-cadherin immunolabeling in equine melanocytic tumors may contribute to their low invasiveness.
- The findings align with the generally benign behavior of equine melanoma.
- This supports potential genetic factors influencing equine melanoma development.
