[Expression of BCL-10 protein and the relationship with API2-MALT1 fusion gene in extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of mucosa associated lymphoid tissue].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship of BCL-10 protein and API2-MALT1 fusion gene in MALT lymphoma.

METHODS

Specimens from 86 cases of MALT lymphoma were studied by immunohistochemical staining for BCL-10. RT-PCR was used to detect the transcripts of API2-MALT1 fusion gene.

RESULTS

In all 10 cases of Hashimoto thyroiditis only cytoplasmic BCL-10 expression in lymphoid cells was observed. In 86 MALT lymphoma cases, 42 cases (48. 8%) exhibited BCL-10 expression in both nucleus and cytoplasm. API2-MALT1 fusion gene was detected in 35 cases (40. 7%) of MALT lymphoma. BCL-10 nuclear expression was correlated with API2-MALT1 fusion gene transcript (r = 0. 374,P = 0. 000).

CONCLUSION

BCL-10 nuclear expression is correlated with API2-MALT1 fusion gene expression in MALT lymphoma.