Expression of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Proteins in Pancreatic Anaplastic (Undifferentiated) Carcinoma. Issue 1 (January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ishida, Kazuyuki; Yamashita, Rina; Osakabe, Mitsumasa; Uesugi, Noriyuki; Yamada, Noriyuki; Nitta, Hiroyuki; Fujishima, Fumiyoshi; Motoi, Fuyuhiko; Suzuki, Hiroyoshi; Shimamura, Hiromune; Noda, Yutaka; Sawai, Takashi; Unno, Michiaki; Sasano, Hironobu; Sasaki, Akira; Sugai, Tamotsu
• Is Part Of: Pancreas. Volume 48:Issue 1(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-01
• Subjects: carcinosarcoma -- epithelial-mesenchymal transition -- pancreas -- pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma -- undifferentiated (anaplastic) carcinoma; Pancreas -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Pancreas -- Periodicals; Neuroendocrine tumors -- Periodicals; 616.37005
• DOI: 10.1097/MPA.0000000000001199
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0885-3177

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify an association of pancreatic anaplastic carcinoma (APC) with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Methods: Resected APCs (n = 24) were examined to assess components of APCs, including carcinomatous, transitional, and sarcomatous regions. Analysis was performed based on the immunoreactivity of E-cadherin and 3 EMT-related proteins: Slug (zinc finger protein SNAI2), Twist (Twist-related protein 1), and Zeb1 (zinc finger E-box–binding homeobox 1). Expression score was determined based on staining intensity and stained area of the target cells. Finally, we performed a hierarchical clustering based on the expression pattern of E-cadherin and EMT-related proteins of the sarcomatous component. Results: The expression score of E-cadherin decreased in the order of sarcomatous > transitional > carcinomatous components ( P < 0.01). Although there were significant differences in the immunohistochemical scores of Slug, Twist, and Zeb1 between carcinomatous and transitional components ( P < 0.01), the significant difference in immunohistochemical score of Zeb1 between transitional and sarcomatous components was found ( P < 0.05). Furthermore, APCs were divided into 2 subgroups based on the expression patterns of E-cadherin and EMT-related proteins (hierarchical clustering analysis). Consequently, these subgroups were distinguished by Twist expression. Conclusions: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of APC. Abstract : Supplemental digital content is available in the text.