Expression of Dab2 in different adrenocortical adenomas

Abstract

Objective To determine the expression and distribution of Disabled-2(Dab2) in normal human adrenal glands, and further to study the expression of Dab2 in tissues of different adrenocortical adenomas, and to elucidate whether Dab2 can be a specific molecular marker in the pathology of primary aldosteronism. Methods Real-time PCR and immunohistochemical staining were used to detect Dab2 expression in 10 aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) samples, 8 cortisol-producing adenoma (CPA) samples, 8 non-functioning adenoma(NFA) samples and 6 normal adrenal samples. Results Immunohistochemical staining showed that Dab2 was significantly highly expressed in zona glomerulosa of normal human adrenal glands. Sporadical cluster of ZG cells with moderate Dab2 staining were demonstrated in APAs. In all CPA and NFA tumors, weak dab2 staining was detected. According to the results of real-time PCR, Dab2 mRNA expression was increased significantly in APAs compared with normal adrenal glands. There was no significant difference between normal adrenal glands, CPAs, and NFAs in regard to Dab2 mRNA expression. Compared to nontumor portions, APAs also showed higher Dab2 mRNA expression in the tumor(P<0.05). Conclusion Dab2 was predominantly localized in zona glomerulosa in normal adrenal gland. Increased Dab2 mRNA expression was detected in APAs compared with normal adrenal glands. Whereas, Dab2 protein expression was just moderate increased in APAs. Weather Dab2 can be a specific molecular marker in the pathology of primary aldosteronism has to be further studied. (Chin J Endocrinol Metab, 2015, 31: 127-132) Key words: Dab2; Primary aldosteronism; Molecular markers