Connexin 43 in Dermatofibroma and Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans: Diagnostic, Pathogenic, and Therapeutic Implications

Am J Dermatopathol. 2023 Dec 1;45(12):812-815. doi: 10.1097/DAD.0000000000002562. Epub 2023 Oct 2.

Abstract

Connexins play a crucial role in the formation of gap junctions that connect cells to each other, as well as cells to the surrounding environment. In recent years, connexin 43 has been extensively studied in various human tumors. In this study, we conducted an immunohistochemical analysis to evaluate the expression of connexin in 16 dermatofibromas (DFs) and 13 dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP). Connexin was diffusely expressed in the cytoplasm of all DFs with moderate or strong intensity, whereas all DFSPs showed negative staining. In addition to its diagnostic implications, the loss of Cx43 may elucidate the invasive capacity of DFSP and offer a potential avenue for future therapeutic interventions.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism
  • Connexin 43* / genetics
  • Connexin 43* / metabolism
  • Cytoplasm / metabolism
  • Dermatofibrosarcoma* / diagnosis
  • Dermatofibrosarcoma* / pathology
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic*
  • Histiocytoma, Benign Fibrous* / diagnosis
  • Histiocytoma, Benign Fibrous* / pathology
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • GJA1 protein, human
  • Connexin 43
  • Biomarkers, Tumor