Nestin expression in cutaneous melanomas and melanocytic nevi

• Published in: Journal of cutaneous pathology Vol. 34; no. 5; pp. 370 - 375
• Main Authors: Brychtova, Svetlana, Fiuraskova, Michala, Hlobilková, Alice, Brychta, Tomas, Hirnak, Jaroslav
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.05.2007; Blackwell
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Biomarkers, Tumor - analysis; Dermatology; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Intermediate Filament Proteins - biosynthesis; Medical sciences; Melanoma - blood supply; Melanoma - metabolism; Neovascularization, Pathologic - metabolism; Nerve Tissue Proteins - biosynthesis; Nestin; Nevus, Pigmented - blood supply; Nevus, Pigmented - metabolism; Skin Neoplasms - blood supply; Skin Neoplasms - metabolism; Tumors of the skin and soft tissue. Premalignant lesions; Skin disease; Anatomic pathology; Malignant tumor; Dermatology; Melanocytic nevus; Malignant melanoma
• ISSN: 0303-6987; 1600-0560
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0560.2006.00627.x

Background:  Nestin is one of the intermediate filaments that are expressed in proliferating neural progenitor cells during development of the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system. Postnatal re‐expression of the protein occurs mainly under pathological conditions, including injury and neoplasia. In this study, nestin expression was detected in both benign and malignant melanocytic skin lesions and its diagnostic relevance was then evaluated. Methods:  Altogether 139 bioptic tissue samples consisting of 42 nodular melanomas, 32 superficial spreading melanomas, 12 metastatic melanomas, 10 dysplastic nevi and 43 common melanocytic intradermal and dermoepidermal nevi were analysed using indirect immunohistochemical staining. Results:  We demonstrated that nestin immunostaining was significantly increased in melanomas where it correlated with more advanced stages of the disease. Conclusion:  We conclude that expression of the intermediate filament protein nestin might be an indicator of tumor dedifferentiation and more aggressive behaviour. Furthermore, we suggest that nestin might be a relevant marker of tumorous and non‐tumorous angiogenesis.