Expression of WT_1 gene in nephroblastoma and developing kidneys

Objective To evaluate the role of WT 1 gene in the development of human kidney and nephroblastoma. Methods Expression of WT 1 protein in the formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded kidney specimens of 27 fetus at various stages of gestation and 17 nephroblastomas were assessed immunohistochemically. Results Nuclear expression of WT 1 protein was observed on 57.1% of early fetal glomeruli. Cytoplasmic expression was detected in 46.2% late fetal renal tubules. Nuclear expression was found in the blastemal and epithelial regions in 41.2% of nephroblastoma. Conclusions WT 1 gene may play an important role in early differentiation of human kidney as well as in later development. The abnormal expression of WT 1 may be related to the development of nephroblastoma.