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CD44 expression in benign and malignant nevomelanocytic lesions
C J Leigh1, P L Palechek, J R Knutson
1Department of Pathology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242-1009, USA.
Human Pathology
|December 1, 1996
Summary
CD44 standard (CD44s) expression is uniform in benign nevi but decreases in malignant melanomas. This decreased CD44s staining correlates with melanoma size and invasion depth, suggesting its potential as a prognostic indicator.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatopathology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- CD44, a cell surface glycoprotein, mediates cell-extracellular matrix interactions.
- Previous studies suggest CD44 expression in melanoma may correlate with metastatic potential.
- The role of CD44 standard (CD44s) and variant 6 (CD44v6) in melanoma progression requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess CD44s and CD44v6 expression in benign and malignant melanocytic lesions.
- To correlate CD44 expression with histological parameters and prognostic factors in melanoma.
- To determine the potential of CD44 as a biomarker in melanoma.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate CD44s and CD44v6 expression in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue.
- Lesions included various types of benign nevi, dysplastic nevi, primary melanomas, and metastatic melanomas.
- Semiquantitative analysis correlated CD44 expression with Breslow's depth and Clark's level.
Main Results:
- Benign nevi uniformly expressed CD44s.
- Primary melanomas exhibited heterogeneous and decreased CD44s staining, inversely correlated with lesion size and invasion depth (P < .05).
- CD44v6 was absent in benign lesions but present in the cytoplasm of malignant melanomas.
Conclusions:
- CD44s expression is a potential prognostic indicator in malignant melanoma.
- Decreased and heterogeneous CD44s staining is associated with more aggressive melanoma features.
- CD44v6 expression distinguishes malignant from benign melanocytic lesions.