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GATA 3 expression in gestational trophoblastic tissues and tumours
Author(s) -
Mirkovic Jelena,
Elias Kevin,
Drapkin Ronny,
Barletta Justine A,
Quade Bradley,
Hirsch Michelle S
Publication year - 2015
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.12681
Subject(s) - cytotrophoblast , trophoblast , placental site trophoblastic tumor , placenta , immunohistochemistry , biology , choriocarcinoma , trophoblastic tumor , gata transcription factor , cancer research , pathology , fetus , medicine , gene expression , gestation , immunology , pregnancy , gene , genetics , promoter
Aims GATA 3 is a zinc‐finger transcription factor that is important for trophoblast differentiation. GATA 3 is sensitive for urothelial and breast carcinomas, but the specificity is low. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of GATA 3 in trophoblast‐related tissues and neoplasia. Methods and results GATA 3 immunohistochemistry was performed on 33 placentas, one atypical placental site nodule, 25 hydatidiform moles ( HM s), and 13 gestational trophoblastic tumours ( GTT s). One hundred and sixty endometrial adenocarcinomas were also stained. Western blotting was performed on trophoblastic cell lines and compared to other cancer cell lines. Immature placentas were characterized by strong, diffuse nuclear GATA 3 staining. Mature placentas showed less expression with scattered positive cells in the villous cytotrophoblast. HM s showed diffuse expression in cytotrophoblast and implantation site trophoblast, and heterogeneous expression in extravillous trophoblast. All GTT s were positive for GATA 3. All endometrial adenocarcinomas were GATA 3‐negative. Western blotting demonstrated GATA 3 in choriocarcinoma, whereas the placenta, and cervical and endometrial cancer cell lines, were negative. Conclusions All trophoblast lineages were positive for GATA 3. The extent of GATA 3 expression varied between immature and mature placentas, suggesting a role in trophoblast maturation. GATA 3 does not distinguish normal placenta, HM s, or GTT s. Nevertheless, GATA 3 may help in distinguishing trophoblastic tumors from Mullerian epithelial malignancies and a subset of tumours of unknown origin.