Derangement of the E-cadherin/catenin complex is involved in transformation of differentiated to anaplastic thyroid carcinoma

Am J Surg. 2006 May;191(5):581-7. doi: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2006.02.005.

Abstract

Background: Anaplastic thyroid cancer arises, or transforms, from pre-existing differentiated thyroid cancer. E-cadherin functions as a cell-cell adhesion molecule that complexes with catenin proteins for function. The objective of this study was to evaluate the change in E-cadherin/beta-catenin expression in the transformation of differentiated to anaplastic thyroid carcinoma.

Methods: A tissue microarray was constructed from 12 anaplastic thyroid tumors and their adjacent associated differentiated foci. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate tumor expression of E-cadherin and beta-catenin.

Results: There was decreased expression of E-cadherin and beta-catenin by the anaplastic tumors when compared with the differentiated thyroid tumors from which they evolved. The expression of E-cadherin and beta-catenin was 92% and 67%, respectively, by the differentiated thyroid carcinoma, and 17% and 50%, respectively, by the anaplastic tumors.

Conclusions: This report shows that derangement of the E-cadherin/catenin complex is associated with the transformation of differentiated into anaplastic thyroid carcinoma.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anaplasia
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / biosynthesis*
  • Carcinoma / metabolism*
  • Carcinoma / pathology
  • Catenins / biosynthesis*
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / metabolism*
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / pathology
  • beta Catenin / biosynthesis*

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Catenins
  • beta Catenin