GLUT1 expression in malignant tumors and its use as an immunodiagnostic marker

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:To analyze glucose transporter 1 expression patterns in malignant tumors of various cell types and evaluate their diagnostic value by immunohistochemistry.INTRODUCTION:Glucose is the major source of energy for cells, and glucose transporter 1 is the most common glucose transporter in humans. Glucose transporter 1 is aberrantly expressed in several tumor types. Studies have implicated glucose transporter 1 expression as a prognostic and diagnostic marker in tumors, primarily in conjunction with positron emission tomography scan data.METHODS:Immunohistochemistry for glucose transporter 1 was performed in tissue microarray slides, comprising 1955 samples of malignant neoplasm from different cell types.RESULTS:Sarcomas, lymphomas, melanomas and hepatoblastomas did not express glucose transporter 1. Forty-seven per cent of prostate adenocarcinomas were positive, as were 29% of thyroid, 10% of gastric and 5% of breast adenocarcinomas. Thirty-six per cent of squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck were positive, as were 42% of uterine cervix squamous cell carcinomas. Glioblastomas and retinoblastomas showed membranous glucose transporter 1 staining in 18.6% and 9.4% of all cases, respectively. Squamous cell carcinomas displayed membranous expression, whereas adenocarcinomas showed cytoplasmic glucose transporter 1 expression.CONCLUSION:Glucose transporter 1 showed variable expression in various tumor types. Its absence in sarcomas, melanomas, hepatoblastomas and lymphomas suggests that other glucose transporters mediate the glycolytic pathway in these tumors. The data suggest that glucose transporter 1 is a valuable immunohistochemical marker that can be used to identify patients for evaluation by positron emission tomography scan. The function of cytoplasmic glucose transporter 1 in adenocarcinomas must be further examined.

GLUT-1 immunoexpression in oral epithelial dysplasia, oral squamous cell carcinoma, and verrucous carcinoma

“…These functions are characteristically dependent on uptake of glucose by cells, which is regulated by the glucose transporter family (GLUT 1-14), whose expression and activity is regulated by oncogenes and growth factors (6,7). Numerous mechanisms and pathways can affect the glycolytic phenotype of both normal and neoplastic cells (6,7). GLUT-1 is the crucial target gene for hypoxia inducible factor (HIF), that mediates glucose influx into cells (7).…”

“…GLUT-1 is a glucose transporter that facilitates the transport of glucose into cells, thus helping to regulate energy metabolism, especially in tissues where energy supply is inadequate (6). Cancer cells require high energy levels via glycolytic generation of ATP, which enhances their proliferative potential and survival capability.…”

“…In malignancy-associated cachexia, GLUT-1 overexpession supports increased tumor proliferation at the cost of host tissues. Consequently, GLUT-1 overexpression has been associated with the malignant transformation and progression of several cancers (6).…”

Ascitic Fluid in Ovarian Carcinoma – From Pathophysiology to the Treatment

“…Furthermore, glucose transporter (GLUT) 1 or GLUT3 and glycolytic enzymes, hexokinase (HK) II, are overexpressed in several tumor cells and suggested to be an indicator of poor prognosis in different malignancies, including ovarian cancer [84]. Overexpression of hexokinase (HK) II is associated with the disease progression and chemoresistance [85].…”

Immunohistochemical Expression of Glut-1 in Epithelial Ovarian Tumors: Correlation With the Clinicopathological Factors and Tumor Proliferative Marker Pcna.

“…The Glut-1 is up regulated in situations with decreased oxygen concentrations and hypoxia [13]. Moreover,Glut-1 is accompanied by a rise in the expression of many proteins that have the ability to help the survival of cellular tumor in the adverse microenvironment and enhance the metabolism of glucose [14]. Tumors that overexpress Glut-1 tend to show better and complete response to chemotherapy.…”