Expression of SOX10, ABCB5 and CD271 in Melanocytic Lesions and Correlation with Survival Data of Patients with Melanoma

Background: In malignant melanoma (MM), the proteins SOX10, ABCB5 and CD271 are strongly expressed, and are associated with tumour-initiating potential and stem cell-like properties.

Aim: To compare SOX10, ABCB5 and CD271 expression profiles in melanocytic naevi and MM at different stages, and to correlate these with survival data.

Methods: Immunohistochemistry was performed for SOX10, ABCB5 and CD271 expression in common naevi (n = 14), dysplastic naevi (n = 11), primary MM (n = 39), lymph node metastases (n = 14) and distant metastases (n = 14). Data were assessed using univariate and multivariate statistics.

Results: Compared with melanocytic naevi, there was significantly higher SOX10 expression in primary melanomas, lymph node metastases and distant metastases. ABCB5 had significantly higher expression in primary melanomas, lymph node metastases and distant metastases compared with melanocytic naevi. CD271 expression was significantly increased in dysplatic naevi, lymph node metastases and distant metastases. Using multivariate analysis, SOX10 was demonstrated to be a significant independent positive predictor for metastatic disease.

Conclusions: SOX10, ABCB5 and CD271 proteins are strongly expressed in advanced MM, whereas SOX10 appears to be the most suitable marker for independent prediction of metastatic disease. Our data indicate that SOX10, ABCB5 and CD271 might play a role in MM progression.