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01-11-2007 | Gastrointestinal Oncology

Altered E-Cadherin Expression and p120 Catenin Localization in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Authors: Yvonne Chung, BSc, Alfred K. Y. Lam, MBBS, FRCPA, John M. Luk, Dr Med Sc, Simon Law, MS, MA (Cantab), MBBChir, FRCSEd, FCSHK, FHKAM, FACS, Kwok-Wah Chan, MBBS, FRCPath, FHKCPath, FHKAM (Pathology), Ping-Yin Lee, BSocSc, MMedSci, John Wong, PhD, FRACS, FACS

Published in: Annals of Surgical Oncology | Issue 11/2007

Abstract

Background

E-cadherin is a well-known tumor suppressor and its dysregulated expression correlates with tumor differentiation, metastasis and survival in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). p120 catenin is an Armadillo protein normally bound to E-cadherin in the cadherin–catenin complex at the adherens junction. Dysregulated expression and mislocalization of p120ctn affect the protective function of the complex. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the clinical significance of E-cadherin and p120ctn expression in ESCC.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry was performed to investigate the expression of E-cadherin and p120ctn proteins in 71 patients with ESCC. The relationships between protein expression and clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed.

Results

Reduced E-cadherin and p120ctn expressions were observed in 42.3% and 8.5% of ESCC cases, respectively. Reduction of membranous p120ctn was observed in 33.8% of cases. Membranous E-cadherin was preserved when p120ctn co-localized on the membrane of tumor cells (72.3%, P = 0.001). High level E-cadherin expression and membranous p120ctn preservation positively correlated with tumor differentiation (P = 0.001 and P = 0.008, respectively). p120ctn expression was also significantly related to lymph node metastasis (P = 0.003). Heterogeneous expression of both E-cadherin and p120ctn was observed in dysplasia.

Conclusions

Altered E-cadherin expression and p120ctn localization were related to tumor differentiation, indicating their important roles in the pathogenesis of ESCC.

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Title: Altered E-Cadherin Expression and p120 Catenin Localization in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Yvonne Chung, BSc
Alfred K. Y. Lam, MBBS, FRCPA
John M. Luk, Dr Med Sc
Simon Law, MS, MA (Cantab), MBBChir, FRCSEd, FCSHK, FHKAM, FACS
Kwok-Wah Chan, MBBS, FRCPath, FHKCPath, FHKAM (Pathology)
Ping-Yin Lee, BSocSc, MMedSci
John Wong, PhD, FRACS, FACS
Publication date: 01-11-2007
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Annals of Surgical Oncology / Issue 11/2007
Print ISSN: 1068-9265
Electronic ISSN: 1534-4681
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-007-9511-8

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Altered E-Cadherin Expression and p120 Catenin Localization in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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