Concurrent evaluation of p53, beta-catenin, and alpha-fetoprotein expression in human hepatocellular carcinoma.
Recent models suggest that hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) develops through several independent pathways marked by key mutations in the beta-catenin or p53 gene. An additional pathway potentially is marked by aberrant expression of a-fetoprotein (AFP). To see whether these potential markers are expressed independently, we immunostained sequential sections from 55 HCCs. Of the cases, 30 (55%) were positive for 1 or more proteins: AFP, 19 cases (35%); p53, 12 cases (22%); and beta-catenin, 9 cases (16%). Seven tumors (13%) were positive for more than 1 protein, with 4 of 7 positive in the same area of tumor and 3 of 7 positive in different areas of the carcinomas. By statistical analysis, expression of the markers was independent of one another and of tumor size. Concurrent evaluation of p53, beta-catenin, and AFP protein expression showed no associations, supporting models in which these proteins might serve as markers of independent pathways in the development of HCC.
Torbenson
Michael
M
Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA.
Kannangai
Rajesh
R
Abraham
Susan
S
Sahin
Fikret
F
Choti
Michael
M
Wang
Jianzhou
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D003598:Cytoskeletal Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015534:Trans-Activators / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D051176:beta Catenin
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; C495270:CTNNB1 protein, human; D003598:Cytoskeletal Proteins; D015534:Trans-Activators; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins; D051176:beta Catenin