transforming-growth-factor-beta and Nerve-Sheath-Neoplasms

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) have been shown to play an important role in cell growth and differentiation. BMPs, a rapidly expanding family closely related to transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily, have been proven recently to possess a regulatory role and neurotrophic capacity in neurogenesis. The aim of the present study is to reveal the relationship among BMPs, peripheral nerve and neoplastic lesions of nerve sheath tumors. The mRNA transcriptions of BMP 2, 3, 4 and 5 in 12 cases of schwannoma, four cases of malignant schwannoma and three cases of trigeminal neuralgia were detected using an in situ hybridization technique. Our results demonstrated that the myelin sheaths of schwann cell from the peripheral neuroectomy of trigeminal neuralgia were positively expressing mRNA of BMP-2, 3, 4 and 5. However, the nerve fibers of trigeminal nerve showed only BMP-2 positive staining. All of the neoplastic lesions of nerve sheath showed a consistent but variant expression of BMP-2, 3, 4, and 5. Except for the BMP-4 mRNA, the expression signals of BMP-2, 3 and 5 mRNA in malignant schwannoma were relatively lower than in benign lesions. On the basis of the findings, we concluded that selected members of BMPs existed in the peripheral nerves and might contribute to the health maintenance, proliferation, regeneration and neoplastic transformation of the peripheral nerve system. Moreover, the effects of BMP-2, 3, 4 and 5 on peripheral nerve system and its neoplastic transformation might be widespread, diverse and antagonistic.

Topics: Adult; Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2; Bone Morphogenetic Protein 3; Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4; Bone Morphogenetic Protein 5; Bone Morphogenetic Proteins; Humans; In Situ Hybridization; Middle Aged; Nerve Sheath Neoplasms; RNA, Messenger; Transforming Growth Factor beta

To compare the expression of immunohistochemical variables between benign and malignant components of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour (MPNST) arising within neurofibroma.. Eight cases of MPNST arising within a neurofibroma, associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), were studied. The areas of MPNST and neurofibroma were compared immunohistochemically with regard to the expression of proliferative activity (MIB-1), growth factors, p53, bcl-2, neural cell adhesion molecule (N-CAM), and CD34.. The expression of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1), TGF-beta receptor type II, hepatocyte growth factor alpha (HGF-alpha), c-met, p53, and N-CAM was higher in the areas of MPNST than in the neurofibromatous areas in four, five, five, eight, five, and three of the eight cases, respectively. CD34 expression was lower in the areas of MPNST than in the neurofibroma areas in three of the eight cases.. On the basis of these findings, TGF-beta 1, HGF-alpha, and p53 might be involved in the malignant transformation of neurofibroma to MPNST.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Animals; Antigens, CD34; Female; Growth Substances; Hepatocyte Growth Factor; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Male; Mice; Middle Aged; Neoplasms, Multiple Primary; Nerve Sheath Neoplasms; Neural Cell Adhesion Molecules; Neurofibromatosis 1; Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases; Proto-Oncogene Proteins; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-met; Rabbits; Receptor, Transforming Growth Factor-beta Type II; Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53