An immunohistochemical analysis to evaluate an inverse correlation between Runx2/Cbfa1 and NFκB in human osteosarcoma
- 1The James P Wilmot Cancer Center, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue Box 665, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
- 2The Department of Orthopaedics, Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester Medical Center
- 3The Department of Biostatistics, University of Rochester Medical Center
- Correspondence to: Dr V B Andela University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue Box 665, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA; v_andelayahoo.com
- Accepted 15 October 2004
Abstract
Background: Dominant negative inhibition of nuclear factor κB (NFκB) signalling activity in a human osteosarcoma cell line (Saos2) results in malignant reversion and the induction of the osteoblast differentiating transcription factor, Runx2/Cbfa1. This observation suggests that there is an inverse relation between a transcription factor associated with malignant progression and chemoresistance (NFκB) and an osteoblast differentiating transcription factor (Runx2/Cbfa1).
Aims: To assess and correlate Runx2/Cbfa1 and NFκB (p65) immunoreactivity in human osteosarcoma.
Methods: Runx2/Cbfa1 and NFκB (p65) immunoreactivity was assessed on 11 paraffin wax embedded archival specimens of human primary osteosarcoma by standard immunohistochemical methods and scored on a scale of 0–3. A Pearson correlation analysis between Runx2/Cbfa1 and NFκB (p65) scores was established.
Results: Runx2/Cbfa1 was expressed constitutively in all pathology specimens of human osteosarcoma. Of note, a chondroblastic osteosarcoma showed the highest Runx2/Cbfa1 immunoreactivity. A Pearson correlation did not support an inverse correlation between Runx2/Cbfa1 and NFκB (p65) scores (r = 0.57) in human osteosarcoma.
Conclusion: Runx2/Cbfa1 immunoreactivity does not inversely correlate with NFκB immunoreactivity, and thus cannot serve as an indirect measure of NFκB activity or an independent predictive or prognostic indicator.
