Corticotroph Aggressive Pituitary Tumors and Carcinomas Frequently Harbor ATRX Mutations.

ABSTRACT:

Context

Aggressive pituitary tumors (APTs) are characterized by unusually rapid growth and lack of response to standard treatment. About 1% to 2% develop metastases being classified as pituitary carcinomas (PCs). For unknown reasons, the corticotroph tumors are overrepresented among APTs and PCs. Mutations in the alpha thalassemia/mental retardation syndrome X-linked (ATRX) gene, regulating chromatin remodeling and telomere maintenance, have been implicated in the development of several cancer types, including neuroendocrine tumors.

Objective

To study ATRX protein expression and mutational status of the ATRX gene in APTs and PCs.

Design

We investigated ATRX protein expression by using immunohistochemistry in 30 APTs and 18 PCs, mostly of Pit-1 and T-Pit cell lineage.

SUBMITTER: Casar-Borota O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7993578 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature