Lepidic predominant adenocarcinoma and invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma of the lung exhibit specific mucin expression in relation with oncogenic drivers

Abstract

Objectives

To evaluate MUC1, MUC2, MUC5B, MUC5AC, and MUC6 expression in invasive lepidic predominant adenocarcinoma (LPA) and invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma (IMA) of the lung, and the impact of oncogenic drivers.

Materials and methods

MUC1, MUC2, MUC5B, MUC5AC, MUC6, TTF1 and Hnf4α immunohistochemistry was performed on surgical samples from 52 patients with IMA (n=25) or LPA (n=27). We searched for EGFR, KRAS, BRAF, and HER2 mutations and ALK, ROS1, and NRG1 rearrangements.

Results

MUC1, MUC2, MUC5B, MUC5AC, and MUC6 expression was detected in tumor cells in 77%, 2%, 63%, 36%, and 21% of cases, respectively. MUC1 was significantly more overexpressed in LPA. MUC5B, MUC5AC, and MUC6 were typically detected in goblet cells and overexpressed in IMA. Hnf4α-positive IMA (n=11) were TTF1-negative and typically did not expressed MUC1 and expressed MUC5AC and MUC6. Hnf4α-negative IMA (n=14) showed a reverse profile of mucins expression, with MUC1 expression and a lack of MUC5AC and MUC6 expression. EGFR-positive status was significantly associated with LPA, MUC1 expression, and no MUC5B, MUC5AC, or MUC6 expression. KRAS-positive status was significantly associated with IMA and MUC5B and MUC5AC expression.

Conclusions

LPA and IMA exhibit specific mucin expression profiles, with MUC1 being associated with LPA, while MUC5B, MUC5AC, and MUC6 were associated with IMA. Hnf4α expression and EGFR and KRAS mutations may play a role in mucin expression profiles of these lung adenocarcinoma subtypes.