Abstract
Desmogleins (DSGs) are major members among the desmosomal cadherins critically involved in cell-cell adhesion and the maintenance of normal tissue architecture in epithelia. Reports exploring links of DSG family member expression with cancers are few and vary. The aim of this study was to investigate the ratio of DSG2 and DSG3 mRNA expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) tissue to normal tissue (T/N ratio) and evaluate correlations with clinical parameters. The mRNA expression of DSGs, as well as γ-catenin and desmoplakin, was detected by real-time quantitative RT-PCR in 85 cases of ESCC tissue specimens. The expression level of DSG3 mRNA was significantly higher than that of DSG2 in ESCC specimens (p = 0.000). DSG3 mRNA expression highly correlated with histological grade (p = 0.009), whereas that of DSG2 did not significantly relate to any clinicopathologic parameter. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that only DSG3 expression had an impact on the survival curve, with negative DSG3 expression indicating worse survival (p = 0.038). Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated DSG3 to be an independent prognostic factor for survival. Furthermore, correlation analysis demonstrated the mRNA level of DSG3 to highly correlate with those of γ-catenin and desmoplakin in ESCC samples (p=0.000), implying that the expression of desmosomal components might be regulated by the same upstream regulatory molecules. Our findings suggest that DSG3 may be involved in the progression of ESCC and serve as a prognostic marker, while expression of DSG2 cannot be used as a predictor of ESCC patient outcome.
Highlights
Esophageal cancer is a common cancer with an increasing incidence worldwide
The aim of this study was to investigate the ratio of DSG2 and DSG3 mRNA expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) tissue to normal tissue (T/N ratio) and evaluate correlations with clinical parameters
Our findings suggest that DSG3 may be involved in the progression of ESCC and serve as a prognostic marker, while expression of DSG2 cannot be used as a predictor of ESCC patient outcome
Summary
Esophageal cancer is a common cancer with an increasing incidence worldwide. Squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), the most common form of this disease in China, has a well-defined progression from pre-invasive dysplasia to invasive squamous cell carcinoma (Mariette et al, 2003). Wang-Kai Fang et al proportion of positive cells in high-risk SCC than in lowrisk SCC (Kurzen et al, 2003; Brennan et al, 2009); while in diffuse-type gastric carcinoma, decreased expression of DSG2 is associated with loss of tumor differentiation and poor prognosis (Yashiro et al, 2006). In the present study, using a real-time quantitative RT-PCR technique, we studied the correlation of DSG2 and DSG3 mRNA expression in ESCC cases with clinical parameters to evaluate if DSGs expression features are of any prognostic value. These data might provide important information to guide tumor treatments
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
