Seladin-1/DHCR24 expression in normal ovary, ovarian epithelial and granulosa tumours.
OBJECTIVE: The human DIMINUTO/DWARF1 homolog seladin-1/DHCR24 has been recently reported to be up-regulated in adrenocortical adenomas. Seladin-1 expression has been reported in the normal ovary. Granulosa cell tumours of the ovary (GCT) as with adrenocortical adenomas arise from a steroidogenic tissue, respond to pituitary hormone stimulation and synthesize steroid hormones. DESIGN: To test the hypothesis that seladin-1 may also have a role in the pathogenesis of GCT, we determined the expression of seladin-1 in a cohort of GCT and in mucinous and serous cystadenocarcinomas and in normal ovary. MEASUREMENTS: Expression was determined by RT-PCR using gene specific primers and probes combined with Southern blot analysis of the PCR products. RESULTS: Seladin-1 expression was identified in the normal ovary, mucinous cystadenocarcinomas and serous cystadenocarcinomas of the ovary whereas no expression was observed in the GCT. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our results, seladin-1 is not expressed in the granulosa cells or at least not in those that give rise to GCT.