Differing Expression of Metalloprotease and of Adhesion Molecules in Signet-ring Cell and Intestinal Colorectal Carcinoma

Background: Pure signet-ring cell colorectal carcinoma (SRCC) is an infrequent and highly malignant histological variant of colorectal cancer (CRC), while it is present as a histological component in colorectal carcinomas more frequently. Materials and Methods: The aim of this work was to widen the...

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Published inAnticancer research Vol. 29; no. 11; p. 4417
Main Authors Cabibi, Daniela, Calascibetta, Anna, Aragona, Federico, Martorana, Anna, Campione, Maria, Sanguedolce, Rosario
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Greece International Institute of Anticancer Research 01.11.2009
Subjects
Aged
beta Catenin - biosynthesis
Cadherins - biosynthesis
Carcinoma, Signet Ring Cell - enzymology
Carcinoma, Signet Ring Cell - metabolism
Carcinoma, Signet Ring Cell - pathology
Colorectal Neoplasms - enzymology
Colorectal Neoplasms - metabolism
Colorectal Neoplasms - pathology
Female
Fibronectins - biosynthesis
Humans
Immunohistochemistry
Male
Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 - biosynthesis
Neoplasm Staging
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Summary:Background: Pure signet-ring cell colorectal carcinoma (SRCC) is an infrequent and highly malignant histological variant of colorectal cancer (CRC), while it is present as a histological component in colorectal carcinomas more frequently. Materials and Methods: The aim of this work was to widen the knowledge of the biological factors involved in the pathogenesis and aggressiveness of SRCC by the identification and evaluation of possible molecular abnormalities. By means of immunohistochemistry the expression of the proteolytic degradation enzyme matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-1, that is a collagenase specifically degrading collagens I, II, III and of the adhesion proteins E-cadherin, β-catenin and fibronectin which are usually involved in the carcinogenesis of conventional colorectal tumours was investigated. Results: SRCCs showed a significantly greater MMP-1 expression compared to the ordinary intestinal colorectal cancer (ICRC) and a significantly reduced E-cadherin, β-catenin and fibronectin expression. Conclusion: The biological aggressiveness and strong metastatic behaviour of SRCC could be due to high MMP-1 and low expression of the adhesion molecules.
ISSN:0250-7005
1791-7530