Expression of mismatch repair proteins, beta catenin, and E cadherin in intestinal-type sinonasal adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND Despite their histological resemblance to colorectal adenocarcinomas, there is little information about the molecular events involved in the pathogenesis of intestinal-type sinonasal adenocarcinomas (ITACs). AIMS To evaluate the possible role of DNA mismatch repair (MMR) gene defects or disruptions of the E cadherin-beta catenin complex in ITAC by investigating the immunohistochemical expression of the MMR gene products, beta catenin, and E cadherin in a group of sporadic ITACs. METHODS Ten sporadic cases of ITAC were stained with antibodies against MLH1, MSH2, MSH3, MSH6, beta catenin, and E cadherin. RESULTS Nine cases showed strong nuclear expression of MLH1, whereas one case showed moderate staining. All 10 cases were strongly positive for MSH2 and MSH3. MSH6 was strong in nine cases, and moderate in one. Membranous beta catenin expression was strong in all 10 cases, and no case showed cytoplasmic or nuclear staining. E cadherin was strong in seven cases, and moderate in three cases. CONCLUSIONS The preserved nuclear expression of MLH1, MSH2, MSH3, and MSH6 suggests that mutations or promoter methylation of MMR genes do not play a role in the pathogenesis of ITAC. The strong membranous staining for E cadherin and beta catenin and lack of abnormal cytoplasmic or nuclear expression is in keeping with the preservation of E cadherin-beta catenin complexes and beta catenin pathways.