Primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin expresses tyrosinase mRNA: detection by a specific nested PCR technique.
BACKGROUND
Tyrosinase transcripts have been identified in a wide range of normal organs and neoplasms such as cutaneous nevi, breast carcinomas, liposarcomas and schwannomas. The cells responsible for these positive results have not been accurately identified yet, but they might correspond to either fully differentiated melanocytes, melanocytic precursors or cells bearing potential for melanocytic differentiation.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the expression of tyrosinase mRNA in surgical resection specimens and peripheral blood samples from 2 patients with primary neuroendocrine carcinomas of the skin (PNCS).


METHODS
The expression of tyrosinase mRNA transcripts was tested by means of a reverse-transcriptase and nested PCR technique, using specific primers, in tissue samples from surgical specimens and heparinized blood samples from 2 patients with PNCS.


RESULTS
The results of the test were positive in the 2 specimens of PCNS but negative in blood samples.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings provide further support for the hypothesis that PNCS originates from a pluripotent stem cell capable of neuroendocrine cell differentiation, keratin production, and, as reported herein, tyrosinase mRNA expression. It remains to be seen whether this technique can also be applied to patients with PNCS, as an adjunct to staging and treatment planning.
Alegre
M
M
Department of Dermatology, Hospital de la Creu Roja, Barcelona, Spain.
Puig
L
L
Carreño
R
R
Baiget
M
M
del Río
E
E
Fernández-Figueras
M T
MT
de Moragas
J M
JM
D000368:Aged; D001483:Base Sequence; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis*; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D018278:Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D046508:Culture Techniques; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D014442:Monophenol Monooxygenase / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D014442:Monophenol Monooxygenase