Tetraspanins and vulvar carcinoma: Correlation of CD9, CD63, CD81 and CD82 protein expression with HPV infection

• Grant number: 12/22613-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: April 01, 2013
• End date: March 31, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Biology and Physiology of Microorganisms
• Principal Investigator: Kátia Cândido Carvalho
• Grantee: Leonardo Tomiatti da Costa
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina (FM). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Vulvar carcinomas are approximately 95 % of all vulvar tumors. The vulvar cancer presents good prognosis since early diagnosed, and survival depends of inguinal lymphonode comprometiment, with about 30% of patients presents lymphonode metastasis. Young women, in general, show vulvar carcinoma associated with HPV infection. The mechanisms involved in biological behavior of vulvar cancer remain unclear. Therefore, identification of features related with this tumors development or genesis can contribute to its knowledge and treatment. Tetraspanins are proteins that are involved in several biological processes including cell proliferation, adhesion, invasion and migration. Their reduction or lack of expression are frequently reported in metastatic and poor prognosis tumors. Moreover, tetraspanins participation in viral infections, including HPV, have been reported in literature. Our aim is to analyze CD9, CD63, CD81 and CD82 tetraspanis protein expression profile in vulvar carcinoma and tumor edge. Additionally, the present study will evaluate the correlation of these molecules expression with HPV infection. All samples will be obtained from Pathology Department of Hospital A. C. Camargo, Sao Paulo, Brazil. TMA blocks will be constructed with 150 paraffin-embedded samples that will be used in immunohistochemical assay. All results will be submitted to statistical analysis.(AU)