Mammalian achaete-scute complex-like

The expression of neuro D1 and mammalian achaete-scute complex-like protein (MASH) have been assessed in gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) tumors.These studies have demonstrated that MASH-1 is highly expressed in poorly differentiated GEP tumors, whereas neuroDl is present in all well-differentiated carcinomas and tumors. Interestingly, low levels of neuroDl expression were seen in approximately one third of poorly differentiated GEP carcinomas and this feature was associated with a significantly shorter overall survival. 

An additional approach to the distinction of Merkel cell tumors from small cell pulmonary carcinomas involves the use of antibodies to the mammalian achaete-scute complex-like protein (MASH). Although more than 80% of small cell pulmonary carcinomas are MASH positive, only 1 of 30 Merkel cell carcinomas was positive for this marker. Merkel cell carcinomas also express the K homology domain containing protein (KOC), similar to other high-grade NE malignancies. 

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