The Expression of Mucin-4 (MUC4) in Sarcomas Apart From Sclerosing Epithelioid Fibrosarcoma and Low-Grade Fibromyxoid Sarcoma.

Abstract

Background Low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma (LGFMS) and sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma (SEF) are two rare but aggressive soft tissue sarcomas that can be difficult to distinguish due to histopathological similarities. The present study examines the diagnostic capacities of mucin-4 (MUC4), a transmembrane mucin, in identifying different types of sarcomas and broadens its evaluation to include a wide range of sarcomas. Methods Immunohistochemical (IHC) examination of tissue samples from various sarcomas was performed using a mouse anti-MUC4 monoclonal antibody. IHC was conducted on 4-mm thick formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections after pressure cooker antigen retrieval with a mouse anti-MUC4 monoclonal antibody. Results MUC4 was shown to be highly expressed in SEF (n=13) and LGFMS (n=10), while focal positivity in synovial sarcoma (n=1). Other sarcomas, such as malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, fibrosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, liposarcoma, and myxofibrosarcoma, exhibited no expression (n=0). These findings are consistent with previous research and support MUC4 specificity as a SEF and LGFMS marker.This study provides information on the diagnostic efficacy of MUC4, particularly in the context of certain subtypes. It not only helps our understanding of these unique instances, but it also provides context for histopathological and IHC findings in soft tissue sarcoma. Furthermore, this study investigates the influence of age and gender on MUC4 expression in a range of sarcomas, which was typically understudied in the literature and found no relation with expression of MUC4. Conclusion In conclusion, this study adds to our understanding of soft tissue sarcomas by emphasizing the crucial role of MUC4 in certain sarcoma subtypes while acknowledging the complex variety of the sarcoma landscape. Further research is needed to understand the molecular mechanism that governs marker expression patterns, as well as the therapeutic implications.