Stains & CD markers
Brachyury
Copyright: 2003-2024, PathologyOutlines.com, Inc.
PubMed Search: brachyury
Brachyury
Author: Nat Pernick, M.D.
Last author update: 1 January 2012
Last staff update: 16 June 2021
Copyright: 2003-2024, PathologyOutlines.com, Inc.
PubMed Search: brachyury
Table of Contents
Definition / general | Pathophysiology | Interpretation | Uses by pathologists | Positive staining - normal | Positive staining - disease | Negative stainingCite this page: Pernick N. Brachyury. PathologyOutlines.com website. https://www.pathologyoutlines.com/topic/stainsbrachyury.html. Accessed November 28th, 2024.
Definition / general
- Transcription factor essential for notochordal cell differentiation, elongation of axis and specification of posterior mesodermal elements (Mod Pathol 2009;22:996)
Pathophysiology
- Brachyury (T) is founding member of T box (Tbx) family
- Transcriptional activator expressed throughout the nascent mesoderm, tailbud and notochord
- Involved in the induction and regional specification of mesoderm
- Brachyury deficient embryos lack tail and trunk structures and die shortly after gastrulation (PLoS One 2011;6:e28394)
- In tumor cells, induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition, an important step in progression toward metastasis (J Clin Invest 2010;120:533)
Interpretation
- Nuclear staining
Uses by pathologists
- Distinguish chordoma from histologic mimics, including clear cell renal cell carcinoma, chondrosarcoma, chordoid meningioma (Am J Surg Pathol 2009;33:669, Mod Pathol 2011;24:425)
Positive staining - normal
- Spermatogonia
Positive staining - disease
- Benign notochordal cell tumor of extraosseous origin (Am J Surg Pathol 2011;35:1158), chordoma (90%+ sensitive, Am J Surg Pathol 2009;33:669, Arch Pathol Lab Med 2010;134:1181), hemangioblastoma (Am J Surg Pathol 2008;32:572)
Negative staining
- Carcinomas, lymphomas, sarcomas
- Invasive urothelial carcinoma with chordoid features (Am J Surg Pathol 2009;33:1213)
