Biochemical analysis and subcellular distribution of E-cadherin-catenin in adenocarcinomas of the gastro-oesophageal junction.
BACKGROUND
Disturbances in the expression or structure of E-cadherin-catenin, a cell-cell adhesion complex, perturb its cell adhesive function.


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, alpha-, beta- and gamma-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 beta-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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Wijnhoven
B P L
BP
Department of Surgery Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. b.wijnhoven@erasmusmc.nl
Tucker
E T
ET
Dinjens
W N M
WN
Tilanus
H W
HW
Pignatelli
M
M
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000378:metabolism*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015153:Blotting, Western; D015820:Cadherins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000378:metabolism*; D002299:Cardia; D003598:Cytoskeletal Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000378:metabolism*; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism*; D004943:Esophagogastric Junction; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism*; D013347:Subcellular Fractions / Q000378:metabolism; D015534:Trans-Activators / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000378:metabolism*; D051178:alpha Catenin; D051176:beta Catenin
C495273:CTNNA1 protein, human; C495270:CTNNB1 protein, human; D015820:Cadherins; D003598:Cytoskeletal Proteins; D015534:Trans-Activators; D051178:alpha Catenin; D051176:beta Catenin