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Nestin and vimentin colocalization affects the subcellular location of glucocorticoid receptor in cutaneous melanoma
Author(s) -
Lai Simone,
Piras Franca,
Spiga Saturnino,
Perra Maria Teresa,
Minerba Luigi,
Piga Michela,
Mura Ester,
Murtas Daniela,
Demurtas Paolo,
Corrias Michela,
Maxia Cristina,
Ferreli Caterina,
Sirigu Paola
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.12018
Subject(s) - nestin , vimentin , biology , pathology , colocalization , cancer research , immunohistochemistry , stem cell marker , melanoma , stem cell , microbiology and biotechnology , neural stem cell , medicine
Aims: Nestin (a neuronal stem cell/progenitor cell marker of central nervous system development), vimentin (which is ubiquitously expressed in mesenchymal cells), and the glucocorticoid receptor (GR, which is involved in the immune response, cell proliferation, and apoptosis) have been shown to interact in embryonic and undifferentiated tissues in modulating cell proliferation. The aim of this study was to analyse nestin, vimentin and GR expression in tumour tissue (melanoma), and their association with clinicopathological variables, to evaluate any effect on tumour progression. Methods and results: Immunohistochemistry, double‐label immunofluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopy were performed on biopsy specimens of cutaneous melanoma from 81 patients. Fisher’s and Pearson’s tests showed a correlation between nestin, vimentin and subcellular GR location ( P = 0.008). Their concomitant expression also correlated with Clark level and thickness ( P = 0.02 and P = 0.029, respectively). Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed a poorer outcome for stage III and IV patients with associated expression of nestin, vimentin and cytoplasmic GR in tumour tissue ( P = 0.02). Conclusions: These results suggest the presence in melanoma of growth mechanisms involving nestin, vimentin, and GR, similarly to that occurring in embryonic and undifferentiated cells, and may help in understanding tumour biology to provide a molecular basis for clinical therapies.