Frequent beta-catenin nuclear labeling in sessile serrated polyps of the colorectum with neoplastic potential

Am J Clin Pathol. 2008 Mar;129(3):416-23. doi: 10.1309/603UQKM7C2KELGJU.

Abstract

We obtained 22 sessile serrated adenomas (SSAs) and 19 hyperplastic polyps (HPs) and performed immunolabeling for cytokeratins (CKs) 7 and 20, CDX2, beta-catenin, and p53 to determine the role of these markers in aiding distinction of lesions with neoplastic potential. Patients with SSAs more frequently had a prior or coexistent tubular adenoma (P = .004) that was right-sided (P = .00001) and larger (P = .03). No difference in CK7, CK20, or p53 labeling was found after correction for colonic location. However, CDX2 labeling was significantly lower in SSAs (P = .02) and was predominantly confined to the crypt bases, whereas it was diffusely positive in HPs (P < .001). Surprisingly, aberrant nuclear labeling for beta-catenin was found in 9 (41%) of the SSAs but in none of the HPs (P < .002). We propose that beta-catenin and/or CDX2 immunolabeling may have diagnostic usefulness in the evaluation of serrated polyps. These findings also suggest that Wnt signaling has a role in SSA development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenoma / metabolism*
  • Adenoma / pathology
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis*
  • CDX2 Transcription Factor
  • Cell Nucleus / metabolism
  • Colonic Polyps / metabolism*
  • Colonic Polyps / pathology
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Female
  • Homeodomain Proteins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Keratin-20 / metabolism
  • Keratin-7 / metabolism
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Precancerous Conditions / metabolism*
  • Precancerous Conditions / pathology
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / metabolism
  • beta Catenin / metabolism*

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • CDX2 Transcription Factor
  • CDX2 protein, human
  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • Keratin-20
  • Keratin-7
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53
  • beta Catenin