Like Multinucleated Giant Cells of Giant Cell Tumors in Bone

Abstract: Giant cell tumors (GCTs) found in bone are so named for the conspicuous presence of numerous osteoclast-like multinucleated giant cells (OLMGCs). Although GCT studies have revealed that the OLMGCs are the cells responsible for tumor formation, these cells continue to receive a good deal of research attention. The tumor – suppressor gene, PTEN, is known to be involved in various malignancies. Recently, however, PTEN has been reported to be important for neuron enlargement and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Given the role of PTEN in both carcinomas as well as cell hypertrophy, we sought to elucidate the relationship between PTEN and OLMGCs. In this study, we confirmed the existence of PTEN in GCTs in bone using PCR. In particular, exons-3,4 and 5 of the PTEN gene was detected. Exons-3,4,5 of PTEN gene were found by PCR in all of 8 cases. Single cells microdissection was used to isolate OLMGCs from GCTs and verify the existence of the PTEN gene in the osteoclast-like multinucleated giant cell