Upregulation of Wilms' tumour gene 1 (WT1) in uterine sarcomas

Abstract Aim Overexpression of Wilms’ tumour gene ( WT1 ) has been proven in several tumours. Previous research of our group on the cell cycle of uterine leiomyosarcoma (LMS) and carcinosarcoma (CS) suggested a possible role for WT1 . We therefore intended to further explore the expression pattern of WT1 in uterine sarcomas. Methods 27 CS, 38 LMS, 15 endometrial stromal sarcomas (ESS) and seven undifferentiated sarcomas (US) were collected. WT1 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in 87 samples, by RT-PCR (m-RNA expression) in 23 random selected samples and by Western blotting in 12 samples, separating cytoplasmic and nuclear proteins. A pilot study to detect mutations (exons 7–10) was performed on eight samples. Results IHC showed WT1 positivity in 12/27 CS, 29/38 LMS, 7/15 ESS and 4/7 US. All-but-one sample had a positive RT-PCR. All Western blottings were positive with more cytoplasmic expression in 9/12 cases. No mutations were found. Conclusions WT1 is overexpressed in uterine sarcomas. Since increased levels of mRNA determine the biological role, WT1 might contribute to uterine sarcoma tumour biology.