We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App




Events

09 Apr 2024 - 12 Apr 2024
15 Apr 2024 - 17 Apr 2024
23 Apr 2024 - 26 Apr 2024

Specific Gene Expression Differentiates Moles from Melanoma

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 08 Dec 2016
Print article
Image: p15 expressed in nevi is a key factor mediating BRAF-induced growth arrest. A, p15 expression in a benign intradermal nevus and B, antibody control C, co-immunofluorescence of p15 and Melan-A in a representative intradermal benign nevus. D, nevus melanocytes express p15, whereas non- nevus melanocytes (white arrows) are p15-negative (Photo courtesy of University of Pennsylvania).
Image: p15 expressed in nevi is a key factor mediating BRAF-induced growth arrest. A, p15 expression in a benign intradermal nevus and B, antibody control C, co-immunofluorescence of p15 and Melan-A in a representative intradermal benign nevus. D, nevus melanocytes express p15, whereas non- nevus melanocytes (white arrows) are p15-negative (Photo courtesy of University of Pennsylvania).
Most melanomas are driven by mutations that spur out-of-control cell replication, while nevi which are moles composed of non-cancerous cells at the skin surface, that harbor the same mutations do not grow wildly.

Dermatologists surmise that 30% to 40% of melanomas, approximately 30,000 cases per year, may arise in association with a nevus. However, clinicians would like to be able to better distinguish between the two, especially in borderline cases when they examine skin tissue after a patient biopsy.

Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PN, USA) stained human nevus and melanoma tissue samples with p15 and p16 antibodies. Staining was evaluated and graded for percentage and intensity to determine an “H score,” which correlates with the level of protein in the cells. This approach could also form the basis of a clinical determination, taking the form of an antibody test for p15 from a patient’s biopsy specimen. Ribonucleic acid (RNA) was also extracted from 14 nevus and melanoma tissue samples to determine levels of p15 messenger RNA (mRNA). The expression of p15 mRNA was significantly increased in melanocytic nevi compared with melanomas as determined by real-time quantitative real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis.

John T. Seykora, MD, PhD, a professor of Dermatology and senior author of the study, said, “We showed that p15 expression is a robust biomarker for distinguishing nevus from melanoma. Making this distinction has been a long-standing issue for dermatologists. We hope that this new finding will help doctors determine if a nevus has transformed to melanoma. This could help doctors and patients in difficult cases. If the staining level is high then that would be most consistent with a benign nevus. If the staining level is low then that would be consistent with a melanoma.” The study was published in the December 2016 issue of the American Journal of Pathology.

Related Links:
University of Pennsylvania

Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
Specimen Collection & Transport
Complement 3 (C3) Test
GPP-100 C3 Kit
New
Gold Member
Magnetic Bead Separation Modules
MAG and HEATMAG

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: Reaching speeds up to 6,000 RPM, this centrifuge forms the basis for a new type of inexpensive, POC biomedical test (Photo courtesy of Duke University)

POC Biomedical Test Spins Water Droplet Using Sound Waves for Cancer Detection

Exosomes, tiny cellular bioparticles carrying a specific set of proteins, lipids, and genetic materials, play a crucial role in cell communication and hold promise for non-invasive diagnostics.... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: MOF materials efficiently enrich cfDNA and cfRNA in blood through simple operational process (Photo courtesy of Science China Press)

Blood Circulating Nucleic Acid Enrichment Technique Enables Non-Invasive Liver Cancer Diagnosis

The ability to diagnose diseases early can significantly enhance the effectiveness of clinical treatments and improve survival rates. One promising approach for non-invasive early diagnosis is the use... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The low-cost portable device rapidly identifies chemotherapy patients at risk of sepsis (Photo courtesy of 52North Health)

POC Finger-Prick Blood Test Determines Risk of Neutropenic Sepsis in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Neutropenia, a decrease in neutrophils (a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infections), is a frequent side effect of certain cancer treatments. This condition elevates the risk of infections,... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.