NELL-1 expression in tumors of cartilage

Background/AimsNELL-1 is a novel osteochondral differentiation factor protein with increasing usage in tissue engineering. Previously, we reported the expression patterns of NELL-1 in bone-forming skeletal tumors. With increasing interest in the use of NELL-1 protein, we sought to examine the expression of NELL-1 in cartilage-forming tumors.MethodsImmunohistochemical expression was examined in human pathologic specimens.ResultsConsistent NELL-1 overexpression across all cartilage-forming tumors was observed. Similar degrees of expression were observed in enchondroma, chondrosarcoma, and chondroblastic osteosarcoma. NELL-1 expression did not significantly vary by tumor grade.ConclusionIn summary, NELL-1 demonstrates reliable and consistent expression across cartilage-forming skeletal tumors.