E-Cadherin Is a Specific Marker for Erythroid Differentiation and Has Utility, in Combination With CD117 and CD34, for Enumerating Myeloblasts in Hematopoietic Neoplasms. American journal of clinical pathology Ohgami, R. S., Chisholm, K. M., Ma, L., Arber, D. A. 2014; 141 (5): 656-664

Abstract

Objectives E-cadherin, epithelial calcium-dependent cell adhesion protein, has been identified as a marker of immature erythroid precursors in recent years. However, the specificity of E-cadherin in bone marrow specimens for erythroblasts vs myeloblasts or other early hematopoietic precursors in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) has not been fully elucidated. Methods We analyzed 105 cases of AML and MDS to evaluate the specificity of E-cadherin. Results Of 84 cases of AML, including cases with megakaryocytic, erythroid, monocytic, and granulocytic differentiation, all five acute erythroleukemia cases were positive, as well as one case of megakaryoblastic leukemia that showed coexpression of glycophorin A. In addition, we demonstrate that a panel of three markers, E-cadherin, CD117, and CD34, is effective in identifying lineage-specific myeloblasts in cases of MDS where left-shifted erythroid hyperplasia may complicate morphologic assessment of myeloblasts. Conclusions In marrow specimens, E-cadherin is a useful marker for erythroid differentation.

View details for DOI 10.1309/AJCP8M4QQTAZPGRP

View details for PubMedID 24713736