Human telomerase RNA component expression in Spitz nevi, common melanocytic nevi, and malignant melanomas

Background:  Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein DNA polymerase that is capable of synthesizing telomeres onto the ends of chromosomes. The cumulative loss of telomerase activity is believed to be associated with cell senescence. Telomerase activity has been shown to be higher in malignant melanomas than in common melanocytic nevi. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the pattern of expression of the human telomerase RNA (hTER) component in routinely processed specimens of Spitz nevi, malignant melanomas, and ordinary melanocytic nevi. Methods:  Ten specimens of each type of tumor were studied, using an in situ hybridization technique. Results:  All three types of tumors demonstrated moderate to high intensities of hTER expression, usually in more than half of the tumor cells, and the majority of the studied lesions in each group did not show stratification of staining. The hTER component was also detected in the epidermis, sweat glands, and pilosebaceous units. Conclusions:  hTER levels do not necessarily correlate with the level of telomerase activity, and the level and pattern of hTER expression are not useful as an adjunct to the histologic differential diagnosis of Spitz nevi from melanocytic nevi and malignant melanomas.