Ang-1 and Ang-2 expression in angiomyolipoma and PEComa family tumors

Abstract Objective Perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComa) are an uncommon family of soft tissue tumors. Previously, we described that the presence of pericyte antigens among PEComa family tumors differs extensively by histologic appearance. Methods Here, we extend our findings using the pericyte antigens Angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) and Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), using immunohistochemical detection in human tumor samples. Results While Ang-1 showed no expression across any PEComa family tumor, Ang-2 showed expression that like other pericyte markers was largely determined by cytologic appearance. Conclusion/implications Pericytic marker expression in PEComa may represent a true pericytic cell of origin, or alternatively aberrant pericyte marker adoption.