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Tenascin expression in astrocytomas correlates with angiogenesis
D Zagzag1, D R Friedlander, D C Miller
1Division of Neuropathology, Kaplan Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York, New York.
Cancer Research
|February 15, 1995
Summary
Tenascin (TN) expression is elevated in astrocytomas, particularly glioblastomas, and strongly associated with blood vessel growth, suggesting a key role in tumor angiogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Extracellular Matrix Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Astrocytomas are primary brain tumors with varying grades of malignancy.
- Tenascin (TN) is an extracellular matrix protein implicated in cell growth and tissue repair.
- Understanding TN's role in astrocytoma progression is crucial for developing targeted therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and distribution of tenascin (TN) in astrocytomas of different grades.
- To correlate TN expression with tumor grade, proliferation indices, and vascular hyperplasia.
- To explore the potential role of TN in astrocytoma angiogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry were used to detect TN expression in 59 astrocytomas and 11 normal brain samples.
- Tumor grading included juvenile pilocytic astrocytomas (grade I), fibrillary astrocytomas (grade II), anaplastic astrocytomas (grade III), and glioblastomas multiforme (grade IV).
- Proliferation indices were assessed using MIB-1 (Ki-67) antibody and computer-based image analysis.
Main Results:
- Tenascin (TN) expression was significantly higher (up to 4-fold) in glioblastomas multiforme compared to normal brain tissue.
- Enhanced intercellular TN expression and increased staining around hyperplastic blood vessels were observed in higher-grade astrocytomas.
- TN expression correlated positively with tumor grade, proliferation indices, and vascular hyperplasia, irrespective of tumor grade.
Conclusions:
- Tenascin (TN) expression is upregulated in astrocytomas, correlating with tumor grade and proliferation.
- The strong association between TN and vascular hyperplasia suggests TN's critical role in promoting angiogenesis in astrocytomas.
- Targeting TN may represent a therapeutic strategy for inhibiting astrocytoma growth and vascularization.
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