[Intracellular distribution of beta-catenin in soft tissue tumors].
OBJECTIVE
beta-Catenin originally known as an intracellular mediator of epithelial cell-to-cell adhesion is also involved in signal transduction processes. Since its important function in colorectal carcinogenesis has recently been recognized, the aim of our study was to investigate whether a similar intracellular distribution of beta-catenin can be detected in sarcomas and sarcoma-like lesions.


METHODS
45 soft tissue tumors were examined by immunohistochemistry.


RESULTS
Different types of beta-catenin-distribution were observed: A more continuous localization at the cell membrane was evident especially in epithelioid-like sarcomas. In contrast only focal staining of cell membranes could be found in different tumors as well. Further on increased cytoplasmatic beta-catenin levels were detected in various types of tumors.


CONCLUSIONS
The localization of beta-catenin at the cell membrane serves as a hint for a function of beta-catenin in cell adhesion of mesenchymal tumors apart from epithelial tissues. A nuclear and intracellular accumulation of beta-catenin has been observed in progression of colorectal tumors. The findings of increased levels of beta-catenin in soft tissue tumors may indicate a similar important function in the pathogenesis of these neoplasias.
Kuhnen
C
C
Institut für Pathologie, Weichteiltumorregister, Berufsgenossenschaftliche Kliniken Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-Universität Bochum.
Herter
P
P
Steinau
H U
HU
Müller
O
O
Müller
K M
KM
D002448:Cell Adhesion; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003593:Cytoplasm / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003598:Cytoskeletal Proteins / Q000032:analysis* / Q000096:biosynthesis; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D012509:Sarcoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D012983:Soft Tissue Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D015534:Trans-Activators; D051176:beta Catenin
C495270:CTNNB1 protein, human; D003598:Cytoskeletal Proteins; D015534:Trans-Activators; D051176:beta Catenin