Analysis of YAP1 and TAZ expression by immunohistochemical staining in malignant mesothelioma and reactive mesothelial cells

Gene mutations are involved in the development of malignant mesothelioma. Important mutations have been identified in the genes for cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (p16) alternative reading frame, breast cancer-associated protein 1 (BAP1) and neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). Previously, the utility of detecting the loss of BAP1 by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and p16-deletion by fluorescence in situ hybridization has been identified in several studies. However, NF2-associated examinations have not been performed. The present study aimed to evaluate the expression of yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) and tafazzin (TAZ) protein, which are associated with NF2 gene mutations, in malignant mesothelioma (MM) and reactive mesothelial cells (RMCs). Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues from 31 MM and 33 RMC samples were analyzed. The expression of YAP1 and TAZ protein were examined by IHC. Positivity for YAP1 was identified 27/31 MM and 15/33 RMC samples. Positivity for TAZ was identified in 28/31 MM and 18/33 RMC samples. Using the optimal cutoff points determined by the receiver operating characteristic curve, a positive IHC result for YAP1 and TAZ was 74% sensitive and 94% specific for detecting MM. The results indicate that increased expression of YAP1 and TAZ may be associated with mesothelial tumorization, and aid in the diagnosis of MM.