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Giant desmosomes in tumors
F N Ghadially1, P U Rippstein, S Cavell
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ottawa Civic Hospital, Ontario, Canada.
Ultrastructural Pathology
|November 1, 1995
Summary
Giant desmosomes, large cell junctions, were observed in mesothelioma and other tumors, but not adenocarcinomas. Their presence may rarely aid in distinguishing mesothelioma from adenocarcinoma.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Desmosomes are intercellular junctions crucial for tissue integrity.
- Alterations in desmosome structure can occur in various pathological conditions, including tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of giant desmosomes in different tumor types.
- To assess the potential diagnostic utility of giant desmosomes in differentiating mesothelioma from adenocarcinoma.
Main Methods:
- Microscopic examination of tumor tissue sections.
- Measurement of desmosomal profile lengths.
- Comparative analysis across mesothelioma, adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, thymoma, and meningioma.
Main Results:
- Giant desmosomes (≥1 micron) were identified in mesothelioma, squamous cell carcinoma, thymoma, and meningioma, but absent in adenocarcinomas.
- The largest desmosomal profiles measured approximately 2 microns in mesothelioma and 0.8 microns in adenocarcinoma.
- Giant desmosomes were found in only 20% of the mesothelioma cases studied.
Conclusions:
- Giant desmosomes can form through the growth and fusion of adjacent desmosomes.
- While giant desmosomes are absent in adenocarcinomas, their presence in mesothelioma is infrequent, limiting their diagnostic value.
- Further research may elucidate the precise role and formation mechanisms of giant desmosomes in tumorigenesis.