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Immunohistochemical localization of glutathione S-transferases in sarcomas
J A McKay1, G I Murray, S W Ewen
1Department of Pathology, University of Aberdeen, U.K.
Abstract:
The glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are a multi-gene family of enzymes involved in detoxifying electrophilic compounds and the expression of these enzymes in tumours has been proposed as one important mechanism of anti-cancer drug resistance. In this study, the localization of the major cytoplasmic forms of GST has been studied in soft tissue sarcomas by immunohistochemistry. The alpha, mu, and pi forms of GST were identified in 59, 68, and 51 per cent of tumours, respectively. In addition, GST pi immunoreactivity was consistently identified in fibroblasts in adjacent non-neoplastic tissue. The presence of specific forms of GST in soft tissue sarcomas may contribute to the drug resistance frequently observed in these tumours.
Insights
Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are enzymes linked to anti-cancer drug resistance. This study found specific GST forms in soft tissue sarcomas, suggesting their role in treatment failure.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Enzymology
Background:
- Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are crucial for detoxifying harmful compounds.
- Elevated GST expression in tumors is implicated in anti-cancer drug resistance.
- Soft tissue sarcomas often exhibit resistance to chemotherapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the localization of major cytoplasmic glutathione S-transferase (GST) forms in soft tissue sarcomas.
- To determine the potential contribution of GSTs to drug resistance in these tumors.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect GST alpha, mu, and pi forms.
- Analysis was performed on soft tissue sarcoma samples and adjacent non-neoplastic tissue.
Main Results:
- GST alpha, mu, and pi forms were detected in 59%, 68%, and 51% of soft tissue sarcomas, respectively.
- GST pi immunoreactivity was consistently observed in fibroblasts within non-neoplastic tissue.
- Specific GST forms are present in soft tissue sarcomas.
Conclusions:
- The presence of specific glutathione S-transferase (GST) forms in soft tissue sarcomas may contribute to their frequent resistance to anti-cancer drugs.
- Further research into GST expression could inform therapeutic strategies for soft tissue sarcomas.