Abstract
Background: Disturbances in the expression or structure of E-cadherin-catenin, a cell-cell adhesion complex, perturb its cell adhesive function. Materials and Methods: We studied the expression and distribution of the E-cadherin-catenin complex in 24 adenocarcinomas of the gastro-oesophageal junction (GOJ) by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting of the Triton X-100-soluble (membrane bound) and insoluble fractions (cytoskeleton bound). Results: Immunohistochemistry demonstrated redistribution of E-cadherin, α-, β- and γ-catenin from the membrane to the cytoplasm in 13/24 (54%), 18/24 (75%), 16/24 (67%) and 15/24 (63%) tumours, respectively. Five tumours showed nuclear localisation of β-catenin. Western blotting showed redistribution between the TX-100 soluble and insoluble fraction of E-cadherin and the catenins in 5/11 (45%), 4/10 (40%), 5/11 (45%) and 5/11 (45%) tumours, respectively. Conclusion: Loss of membrane bound E-cadherin-catenin is frequently observed in adenocarcinomas of the GOJ and this may reflect loss of function of the E-cadherin-catenin complex in these cancers.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1369-1375 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Anticancer Research |
Volume | 24 |
Issue number | 3 A |
Publication status | Published - May 2004 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Adenocarcinoma
- E-cadherin-catenin
- Gastrooesophageal junction
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Oncology
- Cancer Research