Iron accumulation in human spleen in autoimmune thrombocytopenia and hereditary spherocytosis.

BACKGROUND: Although the iron is an essential element for the physiological functions of cells, tissues and organs, it is also an important inductor of reactive oxygen species (ROS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three groups of human spleen with autoimmune thrombocytopenia (AITP), hereditary spherocytosis (HS) and reference samples stained by haematoxylin and eosin, Perls' reaction for nonheme Fe(III) iron and Alcian blue for glycoconjugates detection were studied. RESULTS: Positive Perls' reaction in both AITP and HS groups was seen. Higher positivity in the HS than in AITP group was observed. HS group showed a higher amount of acidic glycoconjugates deposits than AITP group. Iron overload in HS and AITP leads to overproduction of ROS. CONCLUSION: We suggest that acidic glycoconjugates deposits are involved in antioxidant defence by elimination and restriction of iron as a ROS inducer (Fig. 4, Ref. 19).

Loss of proliferative potential during terminal differentiation coincides with the decreased abundance of a subset of heterogeneous ribonuclear proteins.

The decrease in abundance of a subset of highly conserved basic nuclear proteins is established to correlate with the loss of proliferative potential in association with the process of terminal differentiation in murine mesenchymal stem cells and human keratinocytes. These proteins, designated P2Ps for proliferation potential proteins, have apparent molecular masses of 30-40 kD, are associated with the 30-40S substructures of nuclear hnRNP complexes, and are recognized by antibodies made against core proteins of hnRNP particles. They also share an epitope in common with heat shock protein-90 (hsp90) and are recognized by two mAbs against hsp90. Two-dimensional electrophoretic Western blots furthermore show that P2Ps make up a subset of hnRNP proteins. Cells that possess these proteins express the potential to proliferate whether or not they are traversing the cell cycle. These include rapidly growing cells, reversibly growth-arrested cells, and nonterminally differentiated cells. In contrast, cells that have irreversibly lost their proliferative potential, such as terminally differentiated cells, show a marked reduction in the abundance of P2Ps as determined by immunodetection on Western blots. A correlation, therefore, exists between the presence of this subset of nuclear proteins and the proliferative potential in two cell types. These results raise the possibility that as a subset of hnRNP proteins, P2Ps may mediate posttranscriptional control of the processing of specific RNAs required for cell proliferation.

Prognostic significance of mucins in colorectal cancer with different DNA mismatch-repair status.

BACKGROUND: Expression of mucin antigen MUC1 and down regulation of MUC2 are associated with adverse prognosis in colorectal cancer (CRC), but their prognostic significance with respect to differing DNA mis- match repair (MMR) status is poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prognostic significance of MUC1 and MUC2 in CRC with different MMR statuses. METHODS: Using the tissue microarray (TMA) technique, a series of 1420 unselected, non-consecutive CRC resections was subdivided into three groups: (1) MMR-proficient; (2) MLH1-negative; and (3) presumed hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer (HNPCC). Immunohistochemical analysis of MUC1 and MUC2 expression (>0%) and loss (0%) was performed, and the results were correlated with clinicopathological parameters. RESULTS: In MMR-proficient CRC, MUC1 expression was more frequently found in tumours with higher tumour stage (p=0.004) and higher tumour grade (p=0.041) and loss of MUC2 was associated with higher tumour stage (p=0.028), node stage (p=0.001), presence of vascular invasion (p=0.028) and worse survival (p=0.034). In MLH1-negative CRC, MUC2 loss was associated with the presence of lymph node metastasis (p=0.028) and worse survival (p=0.015), but there was no association between MUC1 expression and clinicopathological features. In presumed HNPCC, MUC1 expression and MUC2 loss were not associated with clinicopathological parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Mucins have a prognostic significance in sporadic CRC, but not in hereditary CRC. Loss of MUC2 is an adverse prognostic factor in MMR-proficient and MLH1-negative CRC, whereas MUC1 expression is associated with tumour progression in MMR-proficient CRC only.

claudin-18, a novel downstream target gene for the T/EBP/NKX2.1 homeodomain transcription factor, encodes lung- and stomach-specific isoforms through alternative splicing.

T/EBP/NKX2.1, a member of the NKX family of homeodomain-containing transcription factors, regulates the expression of a number of genes in lung and thyroid. Here we describe the isolation and characterization of a novel target gene, termed claudin-18, that is down-regulated in the lungs of T/ebp/Nkx2.1-null mouse embryos. The gene product exhibits an amino acid sequence similar to those of the claudin multigene family of proteins that constitute tight junction strands in epithelial cells. The gene was localized by fluorescence in situ hybridization to mouse chromosome 9 at region 9E3-F1 and to human chromosome 3 at region 3q21-23. The claudin-18 gene has two promoters, each with its own unique exon 1 that is spliced to common exons 2 through 5. Alternative usage of these promoters leads to production of lung and stomach-specific transcripts. The downstream lung-specific promoter contains two T/EBP/NKX2.1 binding sites responsible for trans activation of the gene by T/EBP/NKX2.1 in lung cells. Only claudin-18 was down-regulated in T/ebp/Nkx2.1-null embryo lungs among 11 claudin transcripts examined. Furthermore, the claudin-18 transcript has an alternative 12-bp insertion derived from the 5' end of intron 4, which produces a C-terminally truncated isoform in lung and stomach. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated complete membrane localization of claudin-18 with small focal dots in the lung and stomach epithelial cells. Immunogold electron microscopy analysis revealed that claudin-18 is concentrated at the cell-cell borders of epithelial cells. These unique features suggest a potentially important role for claudin-18 in the structure and function of tight junctions in lung and stomach.

Extensive DNA methylation in normal colorectal mucosa in hyperplastic polyposis.

BACKGROUND: Hyperplastic polyposis of the colorectum is a precancerous condition that has been linked with DNA methylation. The polyps in this condition have been distinguished from typical small hyperplastic polyps and renamed sessile serrated adenomas. Sessile serrated adenomas also occur sporadically and appear to be indistinguishable from their counterparts in hyperplastic polyposis. AIMS AND METHODS: The existence of distinguishing molecular features was explored in a series of serrated polyps and matched normal mucosa from patients with and without hyperplastic polyposis by assessing mutation of BRAF, DNA methylation in 14 markers (MINTs 1, 2 and 31, p16, MGMT, MLH1, RASSF1, RASSF2, NORE1 (RASSF5), RKIP, MST1, DAPK, FAS, and CHFR), and immunoexpression of MLH1. RESULTS: There was more extensive methylation in sessile serrated adenomas from subjects with hyperplastic polyposis (p<0.0001). A more clearcut difference in patients with hyperplastic polyposis was the finding of extensive DNA methylation in normal mucosa from the proximal colon. CONCLUSIONS: A genetic predisposition may underlie at least some forms of hyperplastic polyposis in which the earliest manifestation may be hypermethylation of multiple gene promoters in normal colorectal mucosa. Additionally, some of the heterogeneity within hyperplastic polyposis may be explained by different propensities for MLH1 inactivation within polyps.

Expression of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-b1) by human preterm lung inflammatory cells.

Using a previously published model of human BPD this study examines whether preterm lung inflammatory cells produce transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta1), a cytokine pivotal in pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and whether TGF-beta1 expression is regulated by inflammation. Lung inflammatory cells (neutrophils and macrophages) recovered in the broncho-alveolar (BAL) fluid of premature infants intubated for respiratory distress after birth expressed TGF-b1 mRNA and protein. Total and bioactive TGF-beta1 were abundantly found in the BAL fluid of the same infants. In cell culture stimulation by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) did not result in any further expression of total or bioactive TGF-beta1 by neonatal lung inflammatory cells over constitutive concentrations. In conclusion, lung inflammatory cells from premature infants are a source of TGF-beta1 but LPS does not regulate TGF-b1 production in these cells.

A novel DNA element mediates transcription of Nkx2.1 by Sp1 and Sp3 in pulmonary epithelial cells.

NKX2.1 is a member of the NK2 family of homeodomain-containing transcription factors whose targeted disruption in mouse results in the absence of thyroid tissue and a severely abnormal lung phenotype. Little is known regarding the mechanisms that control tissue and temporal specificity of Nkx2.1 gene expression. The Nkx2.1 gene has been cloned from a number of species and it is composed of three exons and two introns. Two distinct DNA domains located 5' of exon I and within intron I have been found to exhibit promoter activity in lung and thyroid cells. In the current study we used deletional analysis of the 5' flanking region of exon I and identified a 300 bp TATA-less region that exhibits significant promoter activity in H441 cells. The DNA sequence of this region contains multiple palindromes, composed of G/C-rich elements. DNase I footprinting demonstrates that this promoter region interacts with nuclear factors present in H441 cells. In particular electrophoretic mobility shift assay using antibodies against the Sp family members show that both Sp1 and Sp3 as well as an as yet unknown H441-specific factor interact with the palindromic structure within this promoter region. Co-transfection studies show that this promoter region responds to Sp1 and Sp3 and mutations therein result in a significantly diminished response to these transcriptional factors. Therefore, we have identified a novel DNA structure on the Nkx2.1 gene which participates in transcription of this gene in pulmonary epithelial cells by Sp1 and Sp3 transcription factors.

Structure of the human Nkx2.1 gene.

NKX2.1 is a member of the NK2 family of homeodomain-containing transcriptional factors which binds to and activates the promoters of thyroid and pulmonary epithelial genes. We have cloned and sequenced twelve human lung NKx2.1 cDNAs. To elucidate the origin of Nkx2.1 transcripts, we also cloned and sequenced a 12 kb human Nkx2.1 genomic clone. Alignment of cDNA sequences with the genomic clone showed that contrary to previous reports, the human Nkx2.1 gene is organized into three exons and two introns. The newly discovered exon I contains an ATG codon that falls in frame with the previously identified Nkx2.1 initiator ATG codon on one of the cDNAs, designated 5E. Northern blot analysis shows that an mRNA of approximately 2.5 kb in size, homologous to 5E, is expressed in both lung and thyroid. The deduced amino acid sequence of the longest open reading frame on 5E is identical to NKX2.1 with the exception of a 30 amino acid N-terminal extension. Coupled in vitro transcription/translation of the 5E cDNA confirms that the open reading frame is translated into a contiguous polypeptide of 44 kDa. Analysis of Nkx2.1 genomic DNA fragments suggest that at least two independent regions, one within the first intron and the other 5' of the first exon may mediate the basal promoter activity of the Nkx2.1 gene in lung epithelial cells.

Evolution of polypyrimidines in Drosophila.

We surveyed 101 different Drosophila species for the presence of a particular highly repetitive DNA sequence containing long tracts of polypyrimidine/polypurine DNA, first found in D. melanogaster. Out of 55 tested species in the melanogaster group, only the sibling species D. simulans and D. mauritiana, as well as one distant relative in the ananassae subgroup, D. varians, contained the same sequence. All four of these species have long pyrimidine tracts as shown by acid hydrolysis of labelled DNA. All four species have the same sequence, bu the amount of this polypyrimidine/polypurine DNA varies greatly. Four other species in the hydei subgroup were found to contain a polypyrimidine/polpurine sequence, with an oligonucleotide composition different from that of D. melanogaster. This polypyrimidine DNA varies from as much as 10% of the total DNA in D. nigrohydei, to as little as 0.4% in D. neohydei. The long pyrimidine tracts in the hydei subgroup are often more than a thousand nucleotides in length, representing exceedingly homogeneous repetitious sequences.--These results show a rapid but discontinuous pattern of evolution for polypyrimidine/polypurine DNA . These sequences are not species specific, yet closely related species have greatly different amounts of polypyrimidines. Drastic changes occur in the amounts of these satellite type DNA sequences, as if the sequence had no continuous selective advantage in evolution. The implications of these results with regard to the general function and evolution of satellite DNA are discussed.

Thyroid-specific enhancer-binding protein/thyroid transcription factor 1 is not required for the initial specification of the thyroid and lung primordia.

Targeted disruption of the homeobox gene T/ebp (Ttf1) in mice results in ablation of the thyroid and pituitary, and severe deformities in development of the lung and hypothalamus. T/ebp is expressed in the thyroid, lung, and ventral forebrain during normal embryogenesis. Examination of thyroid development in T/ebp homozygous null mutant embryos revealed that the thyroid rudiment is initially formed but is eliminated through apoptosis. Absence of T/EBP expression in the lung primordium does not activate apoptosis since a lung tissue, albeit dysmorphic, is nevertheless formed in T/ebp-/- embryos. These results demonstrate that T/EBP is not required for the initial specification of thyroid or lung primordia, but is absolutely essential for the development and morphogenesis of these organs.

Embryonic mouse lung epithelial progenitor cells co-express immunohistochemical markers of diverse mature cell lineages.

Developmental expression of marker genes representative of different mature cell types can be used to study differentiation of cell lineages. We used immunohistochemistry to study expression in developing mouse lung of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), Clara cell 10-KD protein (CC10), and surfactant protein-A (SP-A), markers that are differentially expressed in neuroendocrine cells, Clara cells, and Type II alveolar cells. Two distinct developmental phases were revealed. The earlier phase (embryonic days 13-15; E13-E15) was characterized by CGRP, CC10, and SP-A immunostaining in all epithelial cells of the distal airways, with the three patterns being virtually identical in adjacent sections. The later phase (E16-E18) was characterized by emergence of staining of the differentiated cell types. These expression patterns were recapitulated in serumless organ culture, demonstrating that information necessary to generate both phases of gene expression is present within the lung analage by E11. We conclude that CGRP, CC10, and SP-A are co-expressed in most or all cells of the distal lung epithelium at E13-E15 and later become restricted to different cell lineages. This transient expression in progenitor cells of gene products characteristic of diverse differentiated cell types may reflect an underlying mechanism of gene regulation.

Integrated control of proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells.

The physiological control of cellular proliferation and differentiation is an integrated regulatory process. This conclusion is based upon observations using numerous in vivo and in vitro experimental systems of which murine BALB/c 3T3 T mesenchymal stem cells represent an excellent in vitro model. In these cells the coupling of growth arrest and differentiation occurs at a distinct biological state, and this predifferentiation arrest state is distinguishable by a variety of criteria from other restriction points, such as the growth factor deficiency arrest state and the nutrient deficiency arrest state. Most importantly, only cells at this predifferentiation arrest state acquire the potential to differentiate without undergoing DNA synthesis. From this state, differentiation can then occur as a two-step process. Cells first undergo nonterminal differentiation and, second, they terminally differentiate. Nonterminal differentiation is characterized by expression of a completely differentiated adipocyte phenotype with retention of proliferative potential. Thereafter, when nonterminally differentiated cells undergo the terminal event in differentiation, they irreversibly lose their proliferative potential. In this paper, data are reviewed which establish that the integrated control of proliferation and differentiation in 3T3 T mesenchymal stem cells is mediated both at the predifferentiation arrest state and at the state of nonterminal differentiation.

Regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine expression by curcumin in hyaline membrane disease (HMD).

Persistent expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines is believed to play a major role in the pathogenesis of chronic lung disease (CLD) in premature infants. Inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine production in the lungs of preterm newborns may result in the attenuation of CLD. Curcumin is a naturally occurring phenolic compound derived from the food spice tumeric with broad based in vitro anti-inflammatory properties. In this study lung inflammatory cells from preterm newborns at risk for the development of CLD were derived via modified broncho-alveolar lavage and stimulated ex vivo with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (10 ng/ml). Curcumin was added to these cultures at 0, 0.5 and 20 uM concentrations. Pro-inflammatory cytokine, TNFalpha, IL-1beta and IL-8 protein was measured from the culture supernatants 12 hours post culture. For control, adult peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were cultured under the same conditions. Both neonatal lung inflammatory cells and adult PBMC produced high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in response to LPS. Curcumin produced significant inhibition of IL-1beta and IL-8 but minimal inhibition of TNFalpha expression by preterm lung inflammatory cells at 20 uM concentrations. Adult PBMC expression of IL-8 was significantly inhibited by curcumin at 20 uM concentrations. Therefore, curcumin inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokine production (TNFalpha, IL-1beta and IL-8) by lung inflammatory cells ex vivo. Pathways involved with curcumin regulation of these cytokines are developmentally intact and functional in premature infants. Curcumin may be effective as a therapeutic agent in the attenuation of CLD.

Expression of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta1) in human epithelial alveolar cells: a pro-inflammatory mediator independent pathway.

Regulation of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta1) expression remains unclear. Inflammation has been inferred to play a major role in stimulating TGF-beta1 production since high concentrations of TGF-beta1 have been found in the lungs of patients with various diffuse inflammatory lung diseases. To establish an association between inflammation and TGF-beta1 expression, human alveolar epithelial (A549) cells were co-cultured with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1beta) and Interleukin 8 (IL-8) for 12 hours. Total and bioactive TGF-beta1 protein were then measured. A549 cells transiently transfected with a plasmid containing the TGF-beta1 promoter linked to a luciferase reported gene were then co-cultured with the same inflammatory peptides for 12 hours and TGF-beta1 promoter activity determined. Nuclear transcription factors AP-1 (c-jun) or NF-kappa (p65, p50 and p105) were over expressed in A549 cells transiently transfected with the TGF-beta1 promoter and TGF-beta1 promoter activity subsequently measured. Stimulation with inflammatory signals LPS, TNFalpha, IL-1beta, IL-8 resulted in no increase of total or bioactive TGF-beta1 activity above constitutive concentrations in vitro. TGF-beta1 promoter activity was also unchanged from baseline levels in response to the same inflammatory peptides. Expression of c-jun however led to significant increases of TGF-beta1 promoter activity over constitutive levels. In contrast p65 and p105 expression resulted in inhibition of TGF-beta1 promoter activity below baseline levels. We conclude that in a human alveolar epithelial cell line, inflammation does not regulate TGF-beta1 expression. These studies suggest that in lung pathologies such as asthma, lung fibrosis and CLD, TGF-beta1 production may involve pathways independent of inflammatory mediators LPS, TNFalpha, IL-1beta and IL-8.

Interleukin-1beta in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of premature neonates: a marker for maternal chorioamnionitis and predictor of adverse neonatal outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the presence of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1beta in the lungs of preterm infants immediately after birth was associated with maternal inflammation and could predict adverse neonatal outcome. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective evaluation of serially obtained tracheal aspirates for the presence of IL-1beta in 25 preterm infants (birth weight 595-1700 g; gestational age 24-32 weeks) with respiratory distress syndrome. The initial tracheal aspirate was obtained within 1 h after delivery. RESULTS: An initial tracheal aspirate positive for IL-1beta had a highly significant correlation with documented maternal chorioamnionitis for the given patient. In addition, the presence of IL-1beta correlated significantly with elevated total cell count (2.62 vs. 0.96 x 10(6)/ml, p = 0.0097), granulocyte count (2.12 vs. 0.22 x 10(6)/ml, p = 0.001), macrophage count (0.28 vs. 0.01 x 10(6)/ml, p = 0.02) and the presence of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. Preterm neonates positive for IL-1beta in their initial sample were on prolonged assisted ventilation (38 vs. 16 days, p = 0.013) and oxygen supplementation (62 vs. 40.5 days, p = 0.0462) and required prolonged hospitalization (69 vs. 46 days, p = 0.0165). CONCLUSIONS: The concentration of IL-1beta in the initial tracheal aspirate obtained from the lungs of preterm infants within the first hour of life may serve as a marker of antenatal/perinatal inflammation, probably due to maternal chorioamnionitis, and could predict an adverse clinical course and short-term outcome.

Characterization of rectal, proximal and distal colon cancers based on clinicopathological, molecular and protein profiles.

Accumulating evidence suggests that colorectal cancer (CRC) should be viewed as a heterogeneous disease, with proximal and distal CRCs showing multiple biological and clinical differences. The aim of this study was to develop a clinicopathological, molecular and protein profile for CRCs based on their region and thus providing insight into their heterogeneity. CRC patients (n=399) were evaluated for clinicopathologic and molecular features including K-RAS, BRAF and MSI status. Tumors were also screened for expression of 50 immunohistochemical markers linked to major signaling pathways involved in tumor-progression or immune response. Proximally located tumors show significantly larger tumor size, higher T-stage, higher tumor grade and more frequent mucinous histologic subtype compared to the distal colon and rectum. The frequency of BRAF mutation and MSI-high phenotype were significantly higher in proximal colon cancers. There is a significant difference in regional expression of 10 tumor-associated markers (CDX2, CD44v6, CD44s, TOPK, nuclear beta-catenin, pERK, APAF-1, E-cadherin, p21 and bcl2) and 4 immune response markers (CD68, CD163, FoxP3 and TIA-1). In multivariate analysis CD44s, CD44v6, nuclear beta-catenin and CD68 expression was found to best discriminate left- versus right-sided colon cancers. Tumor diameter, pT stage and MSI status best distinguish right-sided colon cancers from rectal cancers and pT stage and E-cadherin best discriminate left-sided colon cancers and rectal cancers. These data along with existing evidence for the presence of distinct regional embryological origin and gene expression profile are highly supportive of the concept that proximal and distal CRCs are distinct clinicopathologic entities.

Effect of 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate on the production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in lipopolysaccharide-treated gravid human myometrial explants.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHPC) alters tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production and the expression of cyclooxygenase type 2 (COX-2) in myometrium exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). STUDY DESIGN: Lower segment myometrial biopsies were obtained from non-laboring patients at term. Tissues were cultured in serum-free media with 17-OHPC (1 microM) and LPS (1 microg/ml), either alone or in combination. At 24 h, the production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and the expression of COX-2 was determined using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and real-time (RT-PCR). Statistical analysis was performed using non-parametric testing. A P-value of <0.05 was considered significant. RESULT: 17-OHPC had no effect on TNF-alpha production and COX-2 expression when compared with untreated myometrial explants (P=0.61 and P=0.95). LPS induced production of TNF-alpha (P=0.03) and expression of COX-2 (P=0.02). Treatment with 17-OHPC did not block LPS-induced TNF-alpha production (P=0.37) or COX-2 expression (P=0.12). CONCLUSION: In this pilot study, 17-OHPC did not affect the production of TNF-alpha or COX-2 expression in human myometrium.

Role of BRAF-V600E in the serrated pathway of colorectal tumourigenesis.

There is increasing evidence for an alternative pathway of sporadic colorectal tumourigenesis that is associated with DNA microsatellite instability (MSI), due to methylation and loss of expression of the mismatch repair gene MLH1. Recent studies have highlighted a serrated pathway of colorectal cancer (CRC) in which serrated polyps with activating mutations in BRAF progress to CRCs with MSI following methylation and silencing of MLH1. The present study provides a novel mechanistic experimental model for these clinical observations. We investigated the role of BRAF activating mutation (BRAF-V600E) in colorectal tumourigenesis by studying the effects of forced expression of BRAF-V600E in the 'normal' colon epithelial NCM460 cell line and by targeting endogenous BRAF-V600E in MSI-High (MSI-H) colon cancer cell lines. The findings indicate that BRAF mutation in colon epithelial cells contributes to a gain in resistance towards apoptotic stimuli, which is likely to be an important characteristic of pre-malignant serrated lesions. BRAF-V600E also plays a role in the development and maintenance of transformed and invasive phenotypes in colon epithelial cells. Our findings also suggest that BRAF mutation potentiates promoter hypermethylation of the MLH1 gene promoter. Together, these results highlight BRAF as a potential target for therapeutic intervention in sporadic MSI-H colorectal cancers.

Prognostic significance of the wnt signalling pathway molecules APC, beta-catenin and E-cadherin in colorectal cancer: a tissue microarray-based analysis.

AIMS: To investigate dysregulation of the wnt signalling pathway by assessing beta-catenin expression/increasing expression and loss of cytoplasmic adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) and membranous E-cadherin in colorectal cancer (CRC) and determining the prognostic significance of these variables. METHODS AND RESULTS: Unselected, non-consecutive CRC resections (n = 1420) were subdivided into three groups: mismatch repair (MMR)-proficient, MLH1- and presumed hereditary non-polyposis colonic cancer (HNPCC). Immunohistochemical analysis of beta-catenin expression (0% versus > 0%) and increasing expression (increasing percentage-positivity) and loss of APC and E-cadherin was performed using the tissue microarray technique. In MMR-proficient CRC, increased nuclear beta-catenin expression and loss of membranous E-cadherin were independently associated with higher N stage (P = 0.03 and < 0.0001), vascular invasion (P < 0.01 and < 0.001) and worse survival (P < 0.01 and < 0.001). Additionally, there was an association between loss of membranous E-cadherin and higher T stage (P = 0.03). In MLH1- CRC, loss of membranous E-cadherin was associated with higher N stage (P = 0.05) and worse survival (P = 0.03). In presumed HNPCC CRC nuclear beta-catenin and membranous E-cadherin were not associated with tumour progression or worse survival. In all CRC subsets loss of cytoplasmic APC was not associated with clinicopathological features. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing nuclear beta-catenin expression and loss of membranous E-cadherin are independent, adverse prognostic factors in MMR-proficient and MLH1- CRC.