Analysis of the SOX-10 and adipophilin expression in progression of cutaneous melanoma

Abstract

Cutaneous melanoma is a potentially aggressive melanocytic origin tumor. In general, the pathogenesis of malignant neoplasms is characterized by a complex mixture of genetic and metabolic changes. It is recognized that the metabolism of cancer cell gives it survival advantages. The increased lipogenesis (given by the expression of lipogenic enzymes or by the energy stock through lipid droplets - LD) is a common phenotype to many human cancers and has been associated with differentiation, proliferation and tumor aggressiveness. In the case of cellular differentiation, some biomarkers have been identified as markers of melanocyte proliferation. SOX-10 protein was shown to have greater sensitivity for melanoma detection in comparison to other already established and still appears to be related to melanocyte progression. The LDs intracytoplasmic, which can be detected by expression of adipophilin protein, have recently been associated with various aspects of tumor phenotype (growth, proliferation and differentiation), but in melanoma was studied only in cell culture. Considering these aspects, the aim of our study is to verify a series of cutaneous melanomas divided according to progression (Clark I, II, III, IV and metastasis) the relationship with of the GLs and with the SOX10 marker. We hope that study collaborate in understanding the complex mechanisms of progression of cutaneous melanoma, mainly related to tumor lipogenesis.