HSP105 expression in cutaneous malignant melanoma: Correlation with clinicopathological characteristics

Abstract

Background Heat shock proteins can protect against stress-associated cellular challenges, but they can also protect some tumors from human immune system monitoring. Heat shock protein 105 (HSP105/110) is a high molecular weight protein whose expression has been reported in many cancers, but few studies on its role in cutaneous malignant melanoma have been published. In this study, we analyzed the relationship between HSP105 expression and the clinicopathological characteristics of CMM. Methods This retrospective study included 91 patients with CMM. The clinicopathological characteristics of CMM patients, including age, lesion duration, location, pathological classification, Clark’s level, Breslow thickness, metastasis and recurrence, were collected. Immunohistochemical staining and Western blot analysis for HSP105 were performed. Pigmented nevi (n = 20) served as a control. The staining intensity and percentage of stained cells were expressed as a histochemical score (HSCORE). Results HSP105 was overexpressed in melanoma compared with nevi. Differences in the HSCORE between nevi (HSCORE = 1.05(0.15,1.50)) and CMM (HSCORE = 2.68(1.80,3.60)) were remarkable (P<0.001). Exposed site lesions, recurrent and metastatic lesions, nodular melanoma and lentigo maligna melanoma were closely associated with higher HSP105 expression (P = 0.011, P = 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). Moreover, no significant difference was observed in Clark’s level, Breslow thickness, or lesion duration (P>0.05). Conclusion HSP105 is overexpressed in CMM. Higher HSP105 expression in lesions is associated with different clinicopathological variables. HSP105 may be a potential target for the diagnosis, treatment and prognostic prediction of CMM.

Alarmins in cutaneous malignant melanoma: An updated overview of emerging evidence on their pathogenetic, diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic role

“…Research in this field continues to produce significant results, as evidenced by the recent finding of the anti‐tumor role from the interplay between HSPB8 and BAG Cochaperone 3 in blocking the oncogenic PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, thus deterring the survival, growth, and proliferation of cancer cells, thereby promoting their apoptosis and autophagy 35 . In conclusion, investigation into the overexpression of HSP105/110 in cutaneous malignant melanoma found close associations with clinicopathological variables such as exposed site lesions, recurrent and metastatic lesions, nodular melanoma, and lentigo maligna melanoma 36 …”

“…35 In conclusion, investigation into the overexpression of HSP105/110 in cutaneous malignant melanoma found close associations with clinicopathological variables such as exposed site lesions, recurrent and metastatic lesions, nodular melanoma, and lentigo maligna melanoma. 36…”