Epithelial–mesenchymal transition markers in malignant ovarian germ cell tumors. Issue 9 (6th June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Solheim, Olesya; Førsund, Mette; Tropé, Claes G.; Kraggerud, Sigrid Marie; Nesland, Jahn M.; Davidson, Ben
• Is Part Of: Apmis. Volume 125:Issue 9(2017:Sep.)
• Page Start: 781
• Page End: 786
• Publication Date: 2017-06-06
• Subjects: Ovary -- malignant germ cell tumor -- epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition -- tumor progression -- immunohistochemistry; Pathology -- Periodicals; Microbiology -- Periodicals; Immunology -- Periodicals; 572
• DOI: 10.1111/apm.12715
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0903-4641

Abstract

Abstract : The purpose of this study was to determine the expression and potential clinical role of epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐related factors in malignant ovarian germ cell tumors (MOGCT). Protein expression of E‐cadherin, N‐cadherin, P‐cadherin, Zeb1, HMGA2, and vimentin by immunohistochemistry was analyzed in 42 MOGCT from patients treated in Norway during the period 1981–2001. Expression was analyzed for association with clinicopathologic parameters. E‐cadherin (p = 0.016) and HMGA2 (p = 0.002) expression was significantly higher in immature teratomas and yolk sac tumors compared with dysgerminomas. Vimentin (p < 0.001) and Zeb1 (p = 0.029) staining was significantly higher in immature teratomas compared with yolk sac tumors and dysgerminomas, whereas no significant differences were observed for N‐cadherin and P‐cadherin. EMT‐associated markers were not significantly related to clinicopathologic parameters including age, tumor diameter, and FIGO stage. In conclusion, based on this limited series, EMT‐associated markers are not associated with clinical parameters in MOGCT, in contrast to ovarian carcinoma. EMT‐related proteins are differentially expressed among various MOGCT subtypes, suggesting differences in biological characteristics associated with invasion and metastasis.