RAP1-GTPase immunostaining is altered in human precancerous and cancerous cervical lesions

Aim: This study investigated RAP1 immunostaining variation in different cell types during CC progression.Methods: Paraffin-embedded cervical tissues from 101 patients were categorized into control, pre-neoplastic and neoplastic groups. RAP1 immunolocalization, HPV detection and genotyping were performed. A semiquantitative immunoreactive score was employed to compare labeling intensity, cellular localization, nuclear labeling, percentage and distribution of reactive cells.Results: 73% (72/99) of cervical specimens were HPV+. RAP1 was localized in the nucleus and cytoplasm of all samples. Cytoplasmic RAP1 immunoscore was higher than nuclear score in all CC groups. RAP1 intensity increased with lesion severity. SCC samples exhibited predominantly intense RAP1 immunostaining.Conclusion: RAP1 is an efficient biomarker for detecting invasive CC lesions but has limited utility in distinguishing SCC grades.