Expression of splice variants of CD44 mRNA and its significance in human primary hepatocellular carcinoma.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the relationship between the expression of splice variants of CD44 (CD44v) and the metastasis of primary hepatocellular carcinoma (PHCC) in humans.


METHODS
The expression of metastasis-associated CD44v mRNA in 54 specimens of human PHCC was detected by reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method.


RESULTS
CD44v mRNA was expressed in 50 (92.59%) of the 54 specimens of PHCC, with moderate or over expression in 42 (77.78%). Among the 42 specimens with moderate or over expression, deficient tumor capsules were found in 25 (59.52%), penetration of tumor capsule in 15 (35.71%), tumor emboli in the portal vein in 34 (80.95%), and daughter tumor nodules in 29 (69.05%). Meanwhile, 12 of the 54 specimens showed negative or weak expression of CD44v mRNA. Of them, all had tumor capsules, 1 (8.33%) had penetrated tumor capsule, 1 (8.33%) had tumor emboli in the portal vein, and 2 (16.67%) had daughter tumor nodules.


CONCLUSIONS
CD44v may contribute to the metastatic potential of PHCC.
Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China.
P
P
Liu
M
M
Wu
H
H
Chen
G
G
Qian
J
J
Fu
D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000556:secondary; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D018960:Hyaluronan Receptors / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D012326:RNA Splicing; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics
D018960:Hyaluronan Receptors; D012333:RNA, Messenger