Expression of neural cell adhesion molecules and neurofilament protein isoforms in Ewing's sarcoma of bone and soft tissue sarcomas other than rhabdomyosarcoma

Hum Pathol. 1999 Oct;30(10):1207-12. doi: 10.1016/s0046-8177(99)90039-4.

Abstract

In a previous study, it was shown that rhabdomyosarcomas widely express "neural" markers, such as neural cell adhesion molecules (N-CAM) and neurofilament protein isoforms. In the current study, a series of Ewing's sarcomas of bone and soft tissue sarcomas other than rhabdomyosarcoma was probed for the same antigens. It was found that N-CAM was widely expressed in the various sarcoma types, except Ewing's sarcomas, though less than in rhabdomyosarcomas. Similar to rhabdomyosarcomas, neurofilament isoforms were found throughout all sarcoma types but were largely restricted to those expressed early in neurogenesis, that is, poorly phosphorylated medium-weight isoforms. Neurofilament expression was most extensive in Ewing's sarcomas. It was concluded that the expression of "neural" markers (N-CAM, neurofilaments) is widespread in sarcomas and does not signify a neural tumor. The absence of N-CAM expression in Ewing's sarcoma may be helpful in its distinction from other sarcomas.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Bone Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neural Cell Adhesion Molecules / biosynthesis*
  • Neurofilament Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Sarcoma / metabolism*
  • Sarcoma, Ewing / metabolism*
  • Soft Tissue Neoplasms / metabolism*

Substances

  • Neural Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • Neurofilament Proteins