Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the thyroid: a tumour histotype characterised by P-cadherin neoexpression and marked abnormalities of E-cadherin/catenins complex.

摘要: The cadherin/catenins complex regulates cell–cell adhesion and motility is believed to have an invasion suppressor role. Primary mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the thyroid (MECT) a rare tumour characterised by distinct morphological appearance questionable histogenesis. coexistence papillary (PTC) foci in many patients with MECT suggests association between two histotypes. In attempt clarify putative relationship PTC, we analysed tissue from 11 immunohistochemistry (E-, P- N-cadherins α-, β- γ-catenins). E-cadherin gene was also polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP). results were compared control group normal thyroid, classical PTC diffuse sclerosing variant PTC. Compared displays marked abnormalities cadherin/catenin complex. Such include consistent neoexpression P-cadherin major alterations expression three catenins. Our point close de novo disruption squamoid phenotype MECT.