Molecular changes in PDEGF and bFGF in malignant melanomas in relation to the stromal microenvironment.
BACKGROUND
Aberrant expression of either growth factors or growth factor-receptors by stromal cells can be an important factor promoting the growth of solid tumours. It may also affect differentiation of malignant cells and support tumour spread. The aim of the present study was to investigate the hypothesis that basic-fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDEGF) may be involved in tumour-stromal microenvironment interactions in primary malignant melanomas.


METHODS
PDEGF and bFGF expression in malignant cells and surrounding stromal elements was assessed using indirect immunohistochemistry.


RESULTS
It was confirmed that PDEGF can be involved in the reciprocal interactions between tumour cells and stroma, including aberrant angiogenesis. Interestingly, bFGF was present both in malignant melanoma lesions and benign nevi accompanied by different intracellular localisation of the protein, suggesting its implication in regulation of nevus cell proliferation and maturation.


CONCLUSIONS
The present results suggest that bFGF and PDEGF participate in malignant melanoma progression.
Fiuraskova
Michala
M
Institute of Pathology & Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Palacky University, Hnevotinska 3, 77515 Olomouc, Czech Republic. mfiuraskova@seznam.cz
Brychtova
Svetlana
S
Sedlakova
Eva
E
Benes
Petr
P
Zalesak
Bohumil
B
Hlobilkova
Alice
A
Tichy
Martin
M
Kolar
Zdenek
Z
D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D006801:Humans; D008545:Melanoma / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology*; D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D017154:Stromal Cells / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology
D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2