Epidermal growth factor-like domain multiple 7 (EGFL7): Expression and possible effect on biliary epithelium growth in cholangiocarcinoma

Eur J Histochem. 2018 Nov 30;62(4):2971. doi: 10.4081/ejh.2018.2971.

Abstract

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an aggressive biliary tract malignancy with limited treatment options and low survival rates. The intrahepatic subtype comprises two forms: mucin-iCCA and mixed-iCCA. Epidermal growth factor-like domain multiple (EGFL7) is overexpressed in less differentiated liver tumors. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of EGFL7 due to its possible role in the growth of CCA. Hematoxylin and Eosin and periodic acid-Schiff staining were used to evaluate the morphological aspects and glycogen deposition. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were performed to identify the presence of EGFL7 both in tumor sections ex vivo and in appropriate cell lines in culture. We found that EGFL7 is expressed in malignant cholangiocytes of mixed-iCCA and absent in mucin-iCCA. In conclusion the expression of EGFL7 might be useful in the classification of CCA subtypes.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Bile Duct Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Bile Duct Neoplasms / pathology
  • Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic / metabolism*
  • Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic / pathology
  • Calcium-Binding Proteins
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cholangiocarcinoma / metabolism*
  • Cholangiocarcinoma / pathology
  • EGF Family of Proteins
  • Endothelial Growth Factors / metabolism*
  • Epithelium / metabolism
  • Epithelium / pathology
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Calcium-Binding Proteins
  • EGF Family of Proteins
  • EGFL7 protein, human
  • Endothelial Growth Factors

Grants and funding

Funding: This project received financial support from “Progetti piccoli di Ateneo 2017” of Sapienza University of Rome.