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Expression of transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) isoforms in osteosarcomas
Author(s) -
Kloen Peter,
Gebhardt Mark C.,
PerezAtayde Antonio,
Rosenberg Andrew E.,
Springfield Dempsey S.,
Gold Leslie I.,
Mankin Henry J.
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.052
H-Index - 304
eISSN - 1097-0142
pISSN - 0008-543X
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1097-0142(19971215)80:12<2230::aid-cncr3>3.0.co;2-y
Subject(s) - transforming growth factor , medicine , gene isoform , cancer research , transforming growth factor beta , genetics , gene , biology
BACKGROUND Transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) is a multipotent growth factor affecting development, homeostasis, and tissue repair. In addition, increased expression of TGF‐β has been reported in different malignancies, suggesting a role for this growth factor in tumorigenesis. METHODS Using immunohistochemistry, the expression, prevalence, and distribution of TGF‐β isoforms were evaluated in 25 high grade human osteosarcomas. The Cox proportional hazards models and Kaplan‐Meier curves were calculated correlating disease free survival with TGF‐β expression. RESULTS Expression of one or more TGF‐β isoforms was found in all the osteosarcomas. Immunoreactivity for TGF‐β1 and TGF‐β3 generally was stronger than for TGF‐β2. The cytoplasm of the tumor cells showed stronger staining than their surrounding extracellular stroma. Most notably, osteoclasts showed strong to intense staining for all three isoforms. In 11 of 25 specimens angiogenic activity was noted with staining of multiple small vessels in the tumor stroma. Expression of TGF‐β3, but not of TGF‐β2 or TGF‐β1, related to disease progression, such that there was a statistically significant decrease in the disease free interval as the immunoreactivity for TGF‐β3 increased. CONCLUSIONS All osteosarcomas expressed TGF‐β in the cytoplasm of the tumor cells as well as in their extracellular stroma. The presence of TGF‐β in the endothelial and perivascular layers of small vessels in the tumor stroma suggests angiogenic activity of this growth factor. The expression of TGF‐β3 was correlated strongly with disease progression ( P = 0.027). These data suggest that increased expression of TGF‐β isoforms, especially TGF‐β3, may play a role in osteosarcoma progression. Cancer 1997; 80:2230‐9. © 1997 American Cancer Society.