Publication Date:
2015-08-20
Description:
Mucin core protein (MUC) 5AC is a gel-forming glycoprotein that is expressed in different types of tumor cells. MUC5AC expression in cultured cells is regulated through the ECM and through remodelling by other membranous proteins such as type IV collagen (COL4) and E-cadherin. However, it has not been elucidated whether COL4 and E-cadherin affect MUC5AC expression in tumors in vivo. Here, by analyzing a single individual with concomitant neoplasms in the skin (extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD)) and the stomach (gastric cancer), we show that MUC5AC expression is reduced in COL4 and membranous E-cadherin-expressing EMPD specimens whereas MUC5AC is not abolished in gastric cancer with COL4 negativity and E-cadherin cytoplasmic localization. As the EMPD and gastric cancer specimens were derived from a single patient, each specimen had the same genetic background. These in vivo results support previous in vitro studies that showed COL4 and E-cadherin to downregulate MUC5AC expression. Our study suggests that concomitant neoplasms in different organs of the same individual can serve as a strong tool for uncovering functional diversity in tumor markers in distinct cancer cells. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Print ISSN:
0007-0963
Electronic ISSN:
1365-2133
Topics:
Medicine
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