ETS1, nucleolar and non-nucleolar TERT expression in nevus to melanoma progression

摘要: TERT (telomerase reverse transcriptase) is the catalytic component of telomerase. shows little expression in normal somatic cells but commonly re-expressed cancers, facilitating immortalization. Recently-discovered promoter mutations create binding sites for ETS-family transcription factors to upregulate TERT. ETS1 reported be important upregulation melanoma. However it unclear when melanoma progression and proteins are expressed. To elucidate this question, immunohistochemistry were performed on a panel benign (n=27) dysplastic nevi (n=34), radial growth phase (n=29), vertical (n=25) metastatic melanomas (n=27). Lesions scored by percentage positive cells. was readily detectable all lesions, not melanocytes. located either nucleolus, nucleoplasm (non-nucleolar) or both. Non-nucleolar increased prevalence with progression, from 19% 78% metastases. It did however correlate cell proliferation (Ki-67 immunostaining), nor differ significantly between primary without mutation. These results demonstrate that expressed very early interestingly only non-nucleolar correlates clearly progression. can acquired at various stages mechanisms other than mutations.