RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The process of malignant transformation, progression and metastasis of melanoma is not completely understood. Recently, the microarray technology has been used to survey transcriptional differences that might provide insight into the metastatic process, but the validation of changing gene expression during metastatic transition period is poorly investigated. A large body of literature has been produced on the role of the HOX genes network in tumour evolution, suggesting the involvement of HOX genes in several types of human cancers. Deregulated paralogous group 13 HOX genes expression has been detected in melanoma, cervical cancer and odonthogenic tumors. Among these, Hox C13 is also involved in the expression control of the human keratin genes hHa5 and hHa2, and recently it was identified as a member of human DNA replication complexes. METHODS: In this study, to investigate HOX C13 expression in melanoma progression, we have compared its expression pattern between naevi, primary melanoma and metastasis. In addition HOXC13 profile pattern of expression has been evaluated in melanoma cell lines. RESULTS: Our results show the strong and progressive HOX C13 overexpression in metastatic melanoma tissues and cytological samples compared to nevi and primary melanoma tissues and cells. CONCLUSIONS: The data presentated in the paper suggest a possible role of HOX C13 in metastatic melanoma switch.
Assuntos
Biomarcadores Tumorais/genética , Genes Homeobox , Proteínas de Homeodomínio/genética , Melanoma/patologia , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Progressão da Doença , Feminino , Humanos , Imuno-Histoquímica , Masculino , Melanoma/genética , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Metástase Neoplásica , Inclusão em Parafina , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase em Tempo RealRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Borderline Brenner tumor of the ovary is a rare entity characterized by papillary structures with a fibro-vascular core, covered by a transitional epithelium, and by the absence of stromal infiltration. It is associated, by definition, with a benign component of Brenner tumor. CASE: We report a case of a 68-year-old woman, with a right ovarian mass, whose morphology and immuno-profile were consistent with the diagnosis of a borderline Brenner tumor. Immunohistochemistry carried out on selected markers may help to formulate the diagnosis, more than the molecular analyses.