Immunocytochemical detection of HoxD9 and Pbx1 homeodomain protein expression in Chinese esophageal squamous cell carcinomas.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the expression pattern of two novel oncofetal antigens, the HoxD9 and Pbx1 homeoproteins in esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCCs) to determine what role they would play in the carcinogenesis of ESCC.


METHODS
We obtained tissue samples of ESCC from 56 patients who underwent esophagectomy but not preoperative chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The diagnosis of ESCC was established and confirmed by staff pathologists. We used a highly sensitive, indirect, immunocytochemical method to detect HoxD9 and PbX1 proteins. We qualitatively and quantitatively evaluated cells that exhibited and staining using a light microscope.


RESULTS
In all observed carcinoma tissue samples, more than 60% of neoplastic cells stained lightly or strongly for HoxD9, and more than 50% of neoplastic cells stained lightly or strongly for Pbx1.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data suggest that HoxD9 and Pbx1 are inappropriately expressed in most human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Understanding the role of Hox genes in esophageal epithelial cell carcinogenesis may not only augment early detection but also offer new avenues for treatment of this disease.
Liu
De-Bin
DB
Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University School of Oncology, Beijing Cancer Hospital, Beijing Institute for Cancer Research, Beijing 100036, China. dbliumd@sohu.com
Gu
Zhen-Dong
ZD
Cao
Xiao-Zhe
XZ
Liu
Hong
H
Li
Ji-You
JY
D044466:Asian People; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000378:metabolism*; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism*; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D000075062:Pre-B-Cell Leukemia Transcription Factor 1; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; C088822:HOXD9 protein, human; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D000075062:Pre-B-Cell Leukemia Transcription Factor 1; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins; C083400:PBX1 protein, human