Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2025
A Three-dimensional Model of Spheroids to Study Colon Cancer Stem Cells
Published on: January 22, 2021
Cytoplasmic SALL4-A isoform expression as a diagnostic marker of less aggressive tumor behavior in gastric cancer
Saeed Rahmani1, Amirhesam Babajani1, Maryam Abolhasani1,2
1Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Background:
Gastric cancer (GC) poses significant challenges globally, ranking fifth in incidence and fourth in cancer-related mortality. SALL4, a stem cell transcription factor with multiple isoforms, includes SALL4-A as its full-length form. This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic potential of SALL4-A isoform expression in GC and its clinical significance.
Method:
Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis was conducted on Tissue Micro Array (TMA) slides from 167 GC patients. Clinicopathological parameters were correlated with SALL4-A expression, and survival analysis was performed. Diagnostic performance was assessed using metrics such as sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC).
Results:
SALL4-A exhibited distinct cytoplasmic expression in GC, correlating with lower histological grade (p = 0.003) and TNM stage (p = 0.003), particularly in the intestinal subtype. Diagnostic evaluation showed an AUC of 0.803 for cytoplasmic expression, demonstrating high diagnostic potential. However, SALL4-A expression did not show significant prognostic value.
Conclusion:
Cytoplasmic SALL4-A expression in GC is associated with less aggressive tumor phenotypes and shows promise as a diagnostic marker. Further research is warranted to elucidate its mechanistic role and potential integration into clinical practice.
