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Biological roles and prognostic values of the epithelial–mesenchymal transition‐mediating transcription factors Twist, ZEB1 and Slug in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Author(s) -
Lemma Siria,
Karihtala Peeter,
Haapasaari KirsiMaria,
Jantunen Esa,
Soini Ylermi,
Bloigu Risto,
Pasanen AnnaKaisa,
TurpeenniemiHujanen Taina,
Kuittinen Outi
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
histopathology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.626
H-Index - 124
eISSN - 1365-2559
pISSN - 0309-0167
DOI - 10.1111/his.12000
Subject(s) - epithelial–mesenchymal transition , slug , transcription factor , twist , lymphoma , mesenchymal stem cell , cancer research , twist transcription factor , cell , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , transition (genetics) , pathology , medicine , gene , genetics , mathematics , geometry
Aims: To evaluate the biological roles and prognostic significance of the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐mediating transcription factors (TFs) Twist, ZEB1 and Slug in patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). EMT has been shown to enhance solid tumour metastasis, invasion, and proliferation. Methods and results: Expression of Twist, ZEB1 and Slug was evaluated immunohistochemically in eight samples from reactive lymphoid tissues and in diagnostic samples from 102 DLBCL patients treated with curative intent with R‐CHOP‐type chemotherapy. ZEB1 and Slug expression correlated with adverse disease presentation. However, cytoplasmic Slug expression was linked to a favourable disease outcome, whereas nuclear expression of ZEB1 indicated an adverse outcome. Conclusions: This study shows that an EMT‐like process occurs in lymphomas. Of the TFs investigated, ZEB1 seems to be the main one associated with adverse clinical presentation and clinical outcome. Surprisingly, Slug expression in cytoplasm was linked to a favourable prognosis. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether inhibition of ZEB1 could serve as a therapeutic target.