Histopathological findings and immunohistochemical expression of the stem cell markers CD44, ALDH1, Bmi-1, and Nanog in oral solitary fibrous tumors

• Published in: Oral surgery, oral medicine, oral pathology and oral radiology Vol. 131; no. 4; pp. 444 - 451
• Main Authors: Rodrigues, Maria Fernanda Setúbal Destro, Tobouti, Priscila Lie, Molon, Angela Cristina, Sedassari, Bruno Tavares, Nunes, Fabio Daumas, Pinto, Décio dos Santos, de Sousa, Suzana Cantanhede Orsini Machado
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.04.2021
• Subjects: Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1 Family; Biomarkers, Tumor; Humans; Hyaluronan Receptors; Immunohistochemistry; Nanog Homeobox Protein; Solitary Fibrous Tumors; STAT6 Transcription Factor; Stem Cells
• ISSN: 2212-4403; 2212-4411
• DOI: 10.1016/j.oooo.2020.11.008

The aim of this study was to evaluate the histomorphologic presentation and the expression of stem cell–related markers in a series of oral solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs). Histopathological variables and the expression of the standard stem cell markers CD34 and CD99, used for SFT diagnosis, as well as STAT6 were evaluated in 13 oral SFTs. The expression of the cancer stem cell markers CD44, ALDH1, Bmi-1, and Nanog and the tumor suppressor gene p16Ink4a were also investigated. The majority of oral SFTs were circumscribed and characterized by a proliferation of spindle cells arranged in a hyalinized stroma. Only 2 oral SFTs showed >4 mitoses/10 high-power fields. Hypercellularity as well as nuclear and cellular pleomorphism were classified as low and moderate in most of the oral SFTs. All oral SFTs were positive for CD34, STAT6, CD44, ALDH1, Bmi-1, and p16Ink4a. CD99 and Nanog expression was observed in 11 and 10 oral SFT cases, respectively. We suggest that STAT6 and ALDH1 have relevant diagnostic value. The expression of CD44, ALDH1, Bmi-1, and Nanog, which is observed in cancer stem cells, may confer advantages to oral SFT cells.