Expression of E-cadherin and alpha- and beta-catenin mRNAs in uterine cervical cancers

Tumour Biol. 1997;18(4):206-12. doi: 10.1159/000218033.

Abstract

To show the mRNA expressions of E-cadherin and alpha- and beta-catenin-which mainly compose the adherens junction-associated with invasion and metastasis of uterine cervical cancers, we studied the expression of E-cadherin and alpha- and beta-catenin mRNAs in cancers in comparison with normal counterparts. The integral expression of E-cadherin and alpha- and beta-catenin mRNAs was suppressed in the metastatic lesions of advanced uterine cervical cancers, while it was not in the primary tumors. Therefore, the suppressed expression of main adhesion molecules in the adherens junction might contribute to adherens-junctional dysfunction, which might lead to invasiveness and metastatic potential of advanced uterine cervical cancers as one rate-limiting step.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cadherins / biosynthesis*
  • Cadherins / genetics
  • Carcinoma / genetics
  • Carcinoma / metabolism*
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins / genetics
  • DNA Primers / chemistry
  • Female
  • Gene Expression
  • Humans
  • Leiomyoma / genetics
  • Leiomyoma / metabolism*
  • Middle Aged
  • RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis*
  • Trans-Activators*
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / genetics
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • alpha Catenin
  • beta Catenin

Substances

  • CTNNA1 protein, human
  • CTNNB1 protein, human
  • Cadherins
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins
  • DNA Primers
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Trans-Activators
  • alpha Catenin
  • beta Catenin