Expression of integrin-linked kinase and its binding partners in chondrosarcoma: association with prognostic significance.

Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) and its binding partners alpha-parvin, beta-parvin, Mig-2 and Migfilin are important components of the cell-matrix adhesions implicated in cell motility, growth, survival and ultimately carcinogenesis. Herein, we investigated immunohistochemically the expression of these molecules in cartilaginous neoplasms and explored their involvement in chondrosarcoma pathobiology and behaviour. Our analyses revealed that ILK, alpha-parvin, beta-parvin and Mig-2 are expressed in the majority of chondrosarcomas but in a small proportion of enchondromas, implying that these proteins might have a role in the development and progression of chondrogenic neoplasms. Moreover, our findings highlight the possibilities that ILK might serve as biological marker that could accurately predict a high-grade tumour and that Mig-2 may function as a promising prognostic indicator of high-risk patients.