Expression of emmprin and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in peripheral nerve sheath tumors: emmprin and membrane-type (MT)1-MMP expressions are associated with malignant potential.
BACKGROUND
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), including membrane-type (MT)-MMPs, correlate with biological aggressiveness in many carcinomas. However, their roles in peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNSTs) have rarely been investigated.


METHODS
In this study, the immunohistochemical expression of 6 MMPs, their 3 inhibitors and emmprin, an MMP inducer, was examined in 14 schwannomas, 14 neurofibromas and 12 malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) in relation to malignant potentials.


RESULTS
Higher expression levels (>3+) of emmprin and MT1-MMP were noted in 83.3% and 16.7% of MPNSTs, respectively, versus none in schwannomas and neurofibromas (p<0.0001). The overall expression rate (1-4+) of MT1-MMP was 58.3% in MPNSTs versus 7.1% in both schwannomas and neurofibromas (p=0.0093). Gelatinase A (MMP-2) showed higher expression levels (>3+) in all the tumors without significant differencies. Moreover, the expression patterns of MMP-1 and gelatinase B (MMP-9) could divide PNSTs into two groups: schwannoma versus neurofibroma/MPNST. Higher expression levels (>3+) of MMP-9 were observed in 50% of schwannomas versus none in neurofibromas and MPNSTs, while those of MMP-1 were found in 35.7% of neurofibromas and 66.7% of MPNSTs versus none in schwannomas. RECK was the main inhibitor expressed in these 3 tumors, with no significant differences.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that emmprin and MT1-MMP may be malignant potential-related proteins in PNSTs, and that MMP-1 and 9 may help differentiation between schwannoma and neurofibroma, especially in their plexiform types.
Nabeshima
Kazuki
K
Department of Pathology, Fukuoka University Hospital, Fukuoka 814-0180, Japan. kaznabes@fukuoka-u.ac.jp
Iwasaki
Hiroshi
H
Nishio
Jun
J
Koga
Kaori
K
Shishime
Mikiko
M
Kikuchi
Masahiro
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D051926:Basigin / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007527:Isoenzymes / Q000096:biosynthesis; D008297:Male; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D053504:Matrix Metalloproteinases, Membrane-Associated; D008875:Middle Aged; D018317:Nerve Sheath Neoplasms / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D009442:Neurilemmoma / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D009455:Neurofibroma / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology
C497886:BSG protein, human; D007527:Isoenzymes; D051926:Basigin; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases; D053504:Matrix Metalloproteinases, Membrane-Associated