Mutation and Expression of APC/β-Catenin/E-cadherin
in Colorectal Adenocarcinoma

Keimyung Medical Journal 2009;28(2):130-143.

Mutation and Expression of APC/β-Catenin/E-cadherin in Colorectal Adenocarcinoma

Yu Na Kang; Mi Sun Hwang; Hye Won Lee; Kun Young Kwon; Sang Sook Lee

Abstract

The pathogenesis of colorectal adenocarcinoma is described as a sequential multistep accumulation of genetic alterations. Most research into the development of colorectal cancer has focused on the detection of mutation of particular gene; but the elucidation for the interaction of these mutated genes with cell adhesion molecules is also important to understand the colorectal tumorigenesis. To elucidate the role of APC/β-catenin/E-cadherin in the colorectal adenocarcinoma; we identified APC/β-catenin/E-cadherin mutation and expression in 42 colorectal adenocarcinomas. Mutations of APC exon 15 and β-catenin exon 3 were detected in 11 cases (26.2%) and 1 case (2.4%); but there was no evidence of aberrant shift in E-cadherin exon 6-9. APC and E-cadherin promoter methylations were found in 5 cases (11.9%) and 25 cases (59.5%). The membranous staining of APC and E-cadherin was decreased in 30 cases (71.4%) and 37 cases (88.1%). The β-catenin expression was increased in the membranes in 34 cases (81.0%); cytoplasms in 17 cases (40.0%) and nuclei in 21 cases (50.0%) . At the invasive areas of tumor growth; nuclear expression of β-catenin was common. Down-regul; β-catenin has comprehensive influence with APC and E-cadherin on tumorigenesis of colorectal adenocarcinoma. Therefore; β-catenin has comprehensive influence with APC and E-cadherin on tumorigenesis of colorectal adenocarcinoma.

Key Words: Adenocarcinoma, APC, Colon, E-cadherin, β-catenin