Lecithin retinol acyltransferase as a potential prognostic marker for malignant melanoma

Exp Dermatol. 2013 Nov;22(11):757-9. doi: 10.1111/exd.12236.

Abstract

Metabolism inside cells differs between cancer and normal cells. Because disturbance of vitamin A metabolism might be important, we investigated expression of the enzymes lecithin retinol acyltransferase (LRAT) and RPE65 by immunohistochemistry in melanoma metastases and melanocytic nevi. Semiquantitative evaluation of this expression revealed downregulated expression of RPE65 in malignant melanoma compared with benign melanocytic nevi (P < 0.001). In contrast, expression of LRAT was not significantly different (P = 0.339). High LRAT expression in melanoma metastases was inversely correlated with patient survival; Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed earlier melanoma-related death (P = 0.003). Expression of LRAT might, therefore, be a prognostic marker of the clinical course of melanoma.

Keywords: RPE65; lecithin retinol acyltransferase; melanoma; prognostic marker; vitamin A.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acyltransferases / metabolism*
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism*
  • Cell Cycle
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Melanocytes / cytology
  • Melanoma / diagnosis*
  • Melanoma / metabolism
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Prognosis
  • Skin Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Skin Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vitamin A / chemistry
  • cis-trans-Isomerases / metabolism

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Vitamin A
  • Acyltransferases
  • lecithin-retinol acyltransferase
  • retinoid isomerohydrolase
  • cis-trans-Isomerases