Introduction: Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) functions as a co-receptor through interaction with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor during neuronal development and angiogenesis. In other tumors the relation of Neuropilin-1 with tumor growth and angiogenesis has been discussed, meanwhile in pituitary adenoma has not yet been reported. In this study we investigated the expression and signaling pathway of NRP-1 in pituitary adenoma.
Methods: Immunofluorescence study with laser confocal microscopy was performed. Tissue microarray analysis wtih 63 pituitary adenomas operative samples, (23 GH-omas, 7 PRL-omas,4 TSH-omas, 6 ACTH-omas, and 23 NF-omas). The signaling pathway was elucidated by a cDNA Microarray analysis in GH3, rat pituitary adenoma cell after gene-silencing by siRNA method targeting NRP-1.
Results: The expression of Neuropilin-1 was higher in GH-oma and NF-oma than in other adenoma. Referring to the signal pathway, representative Neuropilin-1-specific regulated genes include the angiogensis related pathway.
Conclusions: Neuropilin-1 is a crucial factor of tumor growth in pituitary adenomas as other tumors.
Patient Care: This study would provide experimental evidences for further molecular targeted therapy on pituitary adenomas.
Learning Objectives: By the conclusion of this session, participants should be able to Describe the importance of Neuropilin-1 and tumor growth.