Derangement of the E-cadherin/catenin complex is involved in transformation of differentiated to anaplastic thyroid carcinoma

BackgroundAnaplastic thyroid cancer arises, or transforms, from pre-existing differentiated thyroid cancer. E-cadherin functions as a cell–cell adhesion molecule that complexes with catenin proteins for function. The objective of this study was to evaluate the change in E-cadherin/β-catenin expression in the transformation of differentiated to anaplastic thyroid carcinoma.MethodsA tissue microarray was constructed from 12 anaplastic thyroid tumors and their adjacent associated differentiated foci. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate tumor expression of E-cadherin and β-catenin.ResultsThere was decreased expression of E-cadherin and β-catenin by the anaplastic tumors when compared with the differentiated thyroid tumors from which they evolved. The expression of E-cadherin and β-catenin was 92% and 67%, respectively, by the differentiated thyroid carcinoma, and 17% and 50%, respectively, by the anaplastic tumors.ConclusionsThis report shows that derangement of the E-cadherin/catenin complex is associated with the transformation of differentiated into anaplastic thyroid carcinoma.