Prostate cancer overexpresses CD44 variants 7-9 at the messenger RNA and protein level. Anticancer Res 2003;23(4):3129-40
Date
08/21/2003Pubmed ID
12926045Scopus ID
2-s2.0-0042530237 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 29 CitationsAbstract
BACKGROUND: In prostate cancer, prior data show down-regulated immunohistochemical expression of cell adhesion protein CD44 standard (CD44s) and most variants (CD44v).
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Expression of CD44 mRNA was studied by RT-PCR and cDNA sequencing in 19 prostate cancers and 10 benign controls. Immunohistochemical staining was performed with anti-CD44v7/8 in 80 prostatectomy specimens, and 12 were used for in situ hybridization for CD44v7 (exon 12). Western blotting with monoclonal antibody to CD44 standard, v6, v7/8, or v9 was performed using cancerous and benign prostate.
RESULTS: Sequencing of RT-PCR products showed that benign tissue and cancer express CD44 standard and v10 mRNA at 482 base pairs (bp). In contrast, cancer tissues also overexpressed 800-1000 bp bands corresponding to v7-9 isoforms. In situ hybridization revealed increased CD44v7 signal in cancer compared to benign acini. Immunostaining for CD44v7/8 was increased, proportional to Gleason grade. By Western blot, cancer and benign tissue disclosed major bands of reactivity at 75-100 kD consistent with intact standard and variant isoforms. Tumors, however, had 6-45 kD bands for CD44 standard, v7/8 and v9, consistent with cleavage products.
CONCLUSION: CD44 v7-9 isoform messenger RNA is increased in prostate cancer, and translation yields low molecular weight polypeptides of probable cleavage origin.
Author List
Iczkowski KA, Bai S, Pantazis CGMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Blotting, WesternDNA, Complementary
Humans
Hyaluronan Receptors
Immunohistochemistry
In Situ Hybridization
Male
Prostatic Neoplasms
Protein Isoforms
RNA, Messenger
Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
