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Published on: February 28, 2019
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Long non-coding RNA MALAT 1 and PHOX2B expression in olfactory neuroblastomas and sympathetic neuroblastomas
Kusum Sharma1, Karla Esbona1, Jens C Eickhoff2
1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States of America.
Annals of Diagnostic Pathology
|June 15, 2024
Summary
This study investigated MALAT1 long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) and PHOX2B expression to differentiate olfactory and sympathetic neuroblastomas. PHOX2B is a highly specific marker for sympathetic neuroblastomas, aiding in differential diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate gene expression and can impact carcinogenesis.
- MALAT1, a lncRNA, is implicated in various neoplasms with both oncogenic and tumor suppressor roles.
- Olfactory and sympathetic neuroblastomas share histopathological similarities, complicating diagnosis, especially in metastatic cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of MALAT1 lncRNA and PHOX2B expression in distinguishing olfactory neuroblastomas from sympathetic neuroblastomas.
- To assess the diagnostic value of these markers in differentiating rare metastatic sympathetic neuroblastomas in the nasal cavity.
Main Methods:
- Tissue microarrays (TMA) were constructed for olfactory neuroblastomas (n=26) and sympathetic neuroblastomas (n=52).
- MALAT1 lncRNA expression was quantified using in situ hybridization (RNAscope).
- PHOX2B expression was analyzed via immunohistochemistry.
Main Results:
- MALAT1 expression was significantly higher (2-fold) in olfactory neuroblastomas compared to sympathetic neuroblastomas (p < 0.0001).
- PHOX2B demonstrated high specificity for sympathetic neuroblastomas, with 98% positive staining.
- Only one case of olfactory neuroblastoma showed focal PHOX2B positivity.
Conclusions:
- PHOX2B immunostaining is a highly effective marker for distinguishing between olfactory and sympathetic neuroblastomas.
- MALAT1 expression levels may also contribute to differential diagnosis, with higher expression in olfactory neuroblastomas.
