MSH2, IHC with Interpretation [70197X]

70197

1 paraffin-embedded, formalin-fixed tissue block submitted in an IHC specimen transport kit

Minimum: 3 unstained, positively charged, tissue slides

Please submit a surgical pathology report.
Do not freeze specimen.

Room temperature

Room temperature: Indefinitely
Refrigerated: Indefinitely
Frozen: Unacceptable

Set up: Mon-Fri; Report available: 2 days

Interpretive report

Human mistmatch repair protein 2 (MSH2) is involved in the initial recognition of mismatched nucleotides during the postreplication mismatch repair process. Therefore, the loss of MSH2 function leads to the accumluation of replication errors, which in turn may be responsible for the multiple mutations required for multistage carcinogenesis. Mutations in mismatch repair genes have been linked to hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer and to sporadic cancers that exhibit microsatellite instability. MSH2 is reported to be expressed in the nuclei of cells from a variety of tissues, which include thyroid, heart, smooth muscle, and the germinal centers of lymphoid follicles. In ileum and colon, MSH2 expression has been reported in the crypts, the cells of which are undergoing rapid renewal. They are responsible for the continuity of different cells which migrate over 2 to 4 days before being sloughed into the lumen. MSH2 is deficient in a high proportion of patients with microsatellite instability (MSI-H). This finding is associated with the autosomal dominant condition known as Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colon Cancer (HNPCC). The anti-MSH2 antibody is useful in screening patients and families for the condition. Colon cancers that are microsatellite unstable have a better prognosis than their microsatellite stable counterparts.