Peanut lectin stimulates proliferation of colon cancer cells by interaction with glycosylated CD44v6 isoforms and consequential activation of c-Met and MAPK: functional implications for disease-associated glycosylation changes

Peanut agglutinin lectin (PNA) binds the Thomsen-Friedenreich (TF) oncofetal carbohydrate antigen (galactose beta1-3N-acetylgalactosamine alpha) that shows increased expression in colon cancer, adenomas, and inflammatory bowel disease. PNA is mitogenic, both in vitro and in vivo, for colon epithelial cells. In these cells, PNA binds predominantly to cell-surface TF antigen expressed by high molecular weight isoforms of the transmembrane glycoprotein CD44 that are generated in inflamed and neoplastic colonic epithelia by altered RNA splicing. Our aim was to identify the signaling mechanism underlying the proliferative response to PNA. This was investigated in HT29, T84, and Caco2 colon cancer cells. Parallel lectin and immunoblotting of PNA affinity-purified HT29 cell membrane extracts showed PNA binding to high molecular weight CD44v6 isoforms. Within 5 min, PNA (25 microg/mL) caused a 6-fold increase in phosphorylation of hepatocyte growth factor receptor c-Met, known to co-associate with CD44v6. This was followed by the downstream activation of p44/p42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) over 15-20 min. The presence of 100 microg/mL asialofetuin, a TF antigen-expressing glycoprotein, blocked both PNA-induced c-Met and MAPK activation. A similar PNA-induced c-Met and MAPK phosphorylation was also seen in T84 cells that express CD44v6 but not in Caco2 cells that lack CD44v6. PNA-induced cell proliferation was completely blocked by 1 microM PD98059, an inhibitor of MAPK activation (p < 0.0001). The expression of TF antigen by CD44 isoforms in colonic epithelial cells allows lectin-induced mitogenesis that is mediated by phosphorylation of c-Met and MAPK. It provides a mechanism by which dietary, microbial, or endogenous galactose-binding lectins could affect epithelial proliferation in the cancerous and precancerous colon.     

慢性胃炎肠化生CD_(44)、CD_(44V6)及Cyclin D_1、Cyclin E的表达和意义

目的探讨慢性胃炎胃粘膜肠化生CD44、CD44V6及cyclin D1、Cyclin E表达的意义。方法利用免疫细胞化学技术对39例伴有肠化生的慢性胃炎和5例正常人胃窦粘膜的活检组织进行检查。结果正常人胃窦粘膜上皮,腺上皮对CD44、CD44V6、Cyclin D1和Cyclin E均为阴性,但在有神经内分泌样细胞的粘膜,CD44V6和cyclin D1为阳性。慢性胃炎肠化生区和不典型增生区除CD44为阴性外,CD44V6、cyclin D1和cyclin E均呈现不同的阳性反应,但未见有阳性的神经内分泌样细胞。间质细胞大都呈阳性反应。结论CD44V6、cyclin D1和cyclin E可能是胃癌前状态的早期事件,而CD44可能为胃癌晚期的标志物。     

CD44v6 coordinates tumor matrix-triggered motility and apoptosis resistance

Tumor progression requires a crosstalk with the tumor surrounding, where the tumor matrix plays an essential role. We recently reported that only the matrix delivered by a CD44v6-competent (ASML(wt)), but not that of a CD44v6-deficient (ASML-CD44v(kd)) rat pancreatic adenocarcinoma line supports metastasis formation. We here describe that this matrix provides an important feedback toward the tumor cell and that CD44v6 accounts for orchestrating signals received from the matrix. ASML(wt) cells contain more hyaluronan synthase-3 and secrete higher amounts of >50 kDa HA than ASML-CD44v(kd) cells, which secrete more hyaluronidase. Only the ASML(wt)-matrix supports migration and apoptosis resistance, which both can be initiated via CD44v6, c-Met, and α6β4 ligand binding and proceed via FAK, PI3K/Akt, and MAPK activation, respectively. However, c-Met- and α6β4-initiated signaling are strongly augmented by the association with CD44v6 as only very weak effects are observed in CD44v6-deficient cells. The same CD44v6-dependent convergence of motility- and apoptosis resistance-related signals also accounts for human tumor lines. Thus, CD44v6 promotes motility and apoptosis resistance via its involvement in assembling a matrix that, in turn, triggers activation of signaling cascades, which proceeds, independent of the initiating receptor-ligand interaction, in a concerted action via CD44v6.     

Involvement of CD44v6 in InlB-dependent Listeria invasion

Listeria monocytogenes , a Gram-positive bacterium, is the causative agent for the disease called listeriosis. This pathogen utilizes host cell surface proteins such as E-cadherin or c-Met in order to invade eukaryotic cells. The invasion via c-Met depends on the bacterial protein InlB that activates c-Met phosphorylation and internalization mimicking in many regards HGF, the authentic c-Met ligand. In this paper, we demonstrate that the activation of c-Met induced by InlB is dependent on CD44v6, a member of the CD44 family of transmembrane glycoproteins. Inhibiting CD44v6 by means of a blocking peptide, a CD44v6 antibody or CD44v6-specific siRNA prevents the activation of c-Met induced by InlB. Subsequently, signalling, scattering and the entry of InlB-coated beads into host cells are also impaired by CD44v6 blocking reagents. For the entry process, ezrin, a protein that links the CD44v6 cytoplasmic domain to the cytoskeleton, is required as well. Most importantly, this collaboration between c-Met and CD44v6 contributes to the invasion of L. monocytogenes into target cells as demonstrated by a drastic decrease in bacterial invasion in the presence of blocking agents such as the CD44v6 peptide or antibody.     

Heat shock protein 72 associated with CD44v6 in human colonic adenocarcinoma

CD44v6 is a splice variant of CD44 (CD44v), probably promoting cancer cell adherence to vascular endothelium and base membranes and enhancing the invasion and metastasis of colonic carcinomas. Heat shock protein 72 (HSP72) as a molecular chaperone has been confirmed to be overexpressed in epithelial carcinoma cells. There may be a possible association between the expression of HSP72 and CD44v6 during the growth and progression of colonic carcinoma cells. The aim of the study was to investigate the interaction between heat shock protein 72 and CD44v6 in human colonic carcinomas. The localization of HSP72 and CD44v6 in human colonic carcinomas was determined by immunohistochemistry and confocal laser microscopy. The interaction between HSP72 and CD44v6 in colonic carcinoma cells was analyzed by immunoprecipitation and Western immunoblots. Our results revealed that colonic carcinoma synchronously co-expressed higher levels of HSP72 and CD44v6 than that in adjacent normal colonic tissues. HSP72 and CD44v6 were mainly immunolocalized in the cytoplasm, and also immunolabelled on the cell membrane. Based on immunoprecipitation and Western immunoblots, we found that HSP72 was associated with CD44v6 precursor fragments in human colonic carcinoma cells. The interaction between HSP72 and CD44v6 in human colonic carcinoma cells may contribute to study the pathogenesis and immunotherapy of colonic carcinoma.     

胃癌中CD44v6 表达及与微血管密度和生物学行为的关系

目的:探讨CD44v6在胃癌中的表达及其与微血管密度(microvessel density,MVD)和生物学行为的关系。方法:采用免疫组化法检测80例胃癌组织CD44v6、CD34的表达,以CD34标记肿瘤微血管,并在显微镜下计数微血管密度(MVD)。结果:CD44v6在胃癌组织中的表达与肿瘤浸润深度、临床分期、淋巴结转移相关(P<0.05),CD44v6强阳性表达组中MVD明显高于CD44v6阴性表达组(P<0.05)。结论:CD44v6的表达和MVD计数是反映胃癌生物学特性的良好的指标,对判断胃癌的浸润转移具有一定的临床意义。     

CD44v6: a target for antibody-based cancer therapy

The human CD44 gene encodes type 1 transmembrane glycoproteins involved in cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. The structural heterogeneity of the gene products is caused primarily by alternative splicing of at least 10 out of 20 exons. Certain CD44 variant isoforms, in particular those containing CD44 variant domain 6 (CD44v6), have been implicated in tumourigenesis, tumour cell invasion and metastasis. Here we will give an overview of immunohistochemically determined CD44v6 expression in human malignancies (primary epithelial and nonepithelial tumours as well as metastases) and normal tissues, and review several examples of the clinical use of CD44v6-specific antibodies. In nonmalignant tissues, CD44v6 expression is essentially restricted to a subset of epithelia. Intense and homogeneous expression of CD44v6 was reported for the majority of squamous cell carcinomas and a proportion of adenocarcinomas of differing origin, but was rarely seen in nonepithelial tumours. This expression pattern has made CD44v6 an attractive target for antibody-guided therapy of various types of epithelium-derived cancers.Abbreviations CD44 type 1 transmembrane glycoprotein, cell surface receptor for hyaluronate - CD44s (CD44H) standard form of CD44 - CD44v6 splice variant exon 6 of CD44 - CTC common toxicity criteria - 2F10, VFF4, VFF7, VFF18 (BIWA 1), U36, V6B3, HB-256, Var 3.1 monoclonal antibodies targeting the CD44v6 antigen - SCC squamous cell carcinoma     

CD44v6对急性白血病细胞HL-60和THP-1增殖和迁移的影响

目的:探讨CD44变异亚型对急性白血病细胞增殖和迁移的影响。方法:选择对数生长期的急性白血病细胞株HL-60、THP-1和慢性白血病细胞株K562,采用荧光定量PCR法检测CD44v6mRNA的表达。通过电转的方法转染CD44v6siRNA到HL-60和THP-1细胞抑制细胞的CD44v6表达,通过western方法检测CD44v6蛋白的抑制情况。将实验分成HL-60+N-siRNA、HL-60+CD44V6-siRNA、THP-1+N-si RNA、THP-1+CD44V6-siRNA共4组,培养24、48、72 h后分别取细胞悬液用台盼蓝染色后计数活细胞数检测细胞的增殖情况;使用Transwell小室培养法观察HL-60和THP-1细胞的迁移率。结果:通过荧光定量PCR方法检测THP-1和HL-60细胞均高表达CD44v6(分别为0.0037±0.0007和0.00292±0.0002),明显高于K562的表达(P0.01);转染后的HL-60和THP-1细胞株中CD44v6蛋白表达水平明显下调,细胞计数结果显示转染CD44v6-siRNA的HL-60和THP-1细胞在24、48和72 h增殖均明显下降。迁移实验结果显示THP-1+N-si RNA和HL-60+N-si RNA细胞的迁移率为17%和23%,与相应对照组相比THP-1+CD44v6-siRNA和HL60+CD44v6-siRNA组细胞24 h迁移率明显下降(分别降至11%和14%)。结论:CD44v6可以通过干预白血病细胞的增殖和迁移能力,参与调解白血病细胞的增殖和髓外进展。     

宫颈癌中骨桥蛋白和CD44v6的表达及临床意义

目的探讨骨桥蛋白(OPN)和CD44v6在宫颈浸润癌中的表达及其意义。方法应用免疫组化SP法检测OPN和CD44v6在10例慢性宫颈炎、30例宫颈上皮内瘤样变及50例宫颈浸润癌组织中的表达。结果OPN在以上组织中的阳性表达率分别为10.00%(1/10)、36.67%和60.00%,慢性宫颈炎与宫颈浸润癌之间的表达差异有显著性(P<0.01);CD44v6阳性表达率分别为10.00%(1/10)、43.33%和68.00%,慢性宫颈炎与宫颈浸润癌之间的表达差异有显著性(P<0.01)。宫颈浸润癌组织中OPN和CD44v6表达均与患者年龄、肿瘤病理分级、组织学类型无关(P>0.05),而与淋巴结转移有关(P<0.05)。OPN与CD44v6的表达之间有显著正相关性(r=0.829,P<0.01)。结论OPN、CD44v6可能参与了宫颈癌的发生、发展和转移过程,联合检测它们的表达可作为判断宫颈癌的预后和术后复发的评估指标。     

双歧杆菌脂磷壁酸对结肠癌细胞CD44v6和MMP-2表达的影响

目的研究双歧杆菌脂磷壁酸(LTA)对结肠癌细胞中CD44v6与基质金属蛋白酶2(MMP-2)表达的影响,探讨其在抑制结肠癌转移中的作用。方法结肠癌LoVo细胞及HT-29细胞用含50 mg/L双歧杆菌LTA的培养液培养24 h后,RT-PCR和免疫细胞化学染色检测CD44v6和MMP-2在结肠癌细胞中的表达变化。结果结肠癌LoVo细胞及HT-29细胞中CD44v6和MMP-2的mRNA和蛋白质均呈高表达,经双歧杆菌LTA处理后,其表达均明显下降,与对照组比较,差异有非常显著性(P0.01)。结论双歧杆菌LTA可能通过下调CD44v6和MMP-2的表达来抑制结肠癌的转移。     

PSMA、CD44v6在前列腺癌组织中的表达及相关性研究

目的探讨PSMA、CD44v6在前列腺癌中的表达及其与临床特征的关系,为临床预测前列腺癌的转移潜能及预后、指导治疗提供客观有效的指标。方法采用免疫组化S-P法检测PSMA、CD44v6在前列腺癌、前列腺增生及正常前列腺组织中的表达情况。结果PSMA在前列腺癌组织与前列腺增生组织中的表达无显著性差异;肿瘤分化程度低及有淋巴结转移者PSMA表达明显高于分化程度高及无淋巴结转移者。CD44v6在正常前列腺组织及前列腺增生组织中无表达,在前列腺癌组织中的表达较高,并且分化程度低及有淋巴结转移者CD44v6表达明显高于分化程度高及无淋巴结转移者。结论前列腺癌组织中PSMA与CD44v6的表达与肿瘤分化程度、淋巴结转移有关,且两者的表达在前列腺癌组织中具有相关性。     

Dual role of MEK/ERK signaling in senescence and transformation of intestinal epithelial cells

The mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade operates downstream of Ras to convey cell-surface signals to the nucleus via nuclear translocation of ERK1 and ERK2. We and others have recently demonstrated that activation of ERK1/2 by growth factors is required for proliferation of intestinal epithelial crypt cells. However, it remained to be established whether ERK1/2 activation alone was sufficient to trigger intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) proliferation. To this aim, retrovirus encoding the hemagglutinin-tagged MAPK/ERK kinase (MEK)1 wild type (wtMEK), the upstream activator of ERK1/2, or a constitutively active mutant of MEK1 (MEK1-S218D/S222D; caMEK) were used to infect nonimmortalized human normal intestinal epithelial crypt cell cultures [human intestinal epithelial cells (HIEC)] and rodent immortalized intestinal crypt cells (IEC-6). Stable expression of caMEK but not wtMEK in HIEC led to the irreversible arrest of cellular proliferation (premature senescence). Concomitant with the onset of cell-cycle arrest was the induction of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p21(Cip), p53, and p16(INK4A). By contrast, overexpression of caMEK in IEC-6 cells induced growth factor relaxation for DNA synthesis, promoted morphological transformation and growth in soft agar, and did not affect expression of p21(Cip), p53, and p16(INK4A). We provided evidences that ERK1b, an alternatively spliced isoform of ERK1, is activated and may contribute to the deregulation of contact inhibition cell growth and transformation of these cells. Constitutive activation of MEK in IECs can produce either premature senescence or forced mitogenesis depending on the integrity of a senescence program controlled by the cell cycle inhibitors p53, p16(INK4A), and p21(CIP).     

Heparan sulfate-modified CD44 promotes hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor-induced signal transduction through the receptor tyrosine kinase c-Met

CD44 has been implicated in tumor progression and metastasis, but the mechanism(s) involved is as yet poorly understood. Recent studies have shown that CD44 isoforms containing the alternatively spliced exon v3 carry heparan sulfate side chains and are able to bind heparin-binding growth factors. In the present study, we have explored the possibility of a physical and functional interaction between CD44 and hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF), the ligand of the receptor tyrosine kinase c-Met. The HGF/SF-c-Met pathway mediates cell growth and motility and has been implicated in tumor invasion and metastasis. We demonstrate that a CD44v3 splice variant efficiently binds HGF/SF via its heparan sulfate side chain. To address the functional relevance of this interaction, Namalwa Burkitt's lymphoma cells were stably co-transfected with c-Met and either CD44v3 or the isoform CD44s, which lacks heparan sulfate. We show that, as compared with CD44s, CD44v3 promotes: (i) HGF/SF-induced phosphorylation of c-Met, (ii) phosphorylation of several downstream proteins, and (iii) activation of the MAP kinases ERK1 and -2. By heparitinase treatment and the use of a mutant HGF/SF with greatly decreased affinity for heparan sulfate, we show that the enhancement of c-Met signal transduction induced by CD44v3 was critically dependent on heparan sulfate moieties. Our results identify heparan sulfate-modified CD44 (CD44-HS) as a functional co-receptor for HGF/SF which promotes signaling through the receptor tyrosine kinase c-Met, presumably by concentrating and presenting HGF/SF. As both CD44-HS and c-Met are overexpressed on several types of tumors, we propose that the observed functional collaboration might be instrumental in promoting tumor growth and metastasis.     

胃癌CD44v6 mRNA及其蛋白表达与临床病理特征的关系

目的探讨细胞粘附分子CD44v6 mRNA及其蛋白表达与胃癌临床病理学行为和患者预后的关系. 方法应用高敏感性催化信号放大系统(catalyzed signal amplification,CSA)原位杂交和免疫组化技术,对17例早期胃癌、21例中期胃癌和57例晚期胃癌组织进行CD44v6 mRNA及其蛋白检测,并结合肿瘤的病理学行为和临床随访资料进行分析.结果在胃癌中,CD44v6 mRNA及其蛋白的表达阳性率分别为85.3%和82.1%.CD44v6 mRNA及其蛋白表达阳性率在晚期胃癌明显高于早、中期胃癌(P<0.05).CD44v6 mRNA表达与蛋白表达水平具有一致性,均与胃癌浆膜浸润,淋巴结转移和患者预后呈正相关(P<0.05).结论 CD44v6 mRNA及其蛋白异常表达与胃癌的临床病理生物学行为密切相关,特别是与胃癌细胞的转移潜能和胃癌患者的不良预后密切相关.CD44v6蛋白水平的表达可以间接反映其mRNA转录水平,并可作为预测胃癌转移潜能和患者预后的一个新的生物学指标.     

Neutrophil migration across intestinal epithelium: evidence for a role of CD44 in regulating detachment of migrating cells from the luminal surface

The migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) across the intestinal epithelium is a histopathological hallmark of many mucosal inflammatory diseases including inflammatory bowel disease. The terminal transmigration step is the detachment of PMNs from the apical surface of the epithelium and their subsequent release into the intestinal lumen. The current study sought to identify epithelial proteins involved in the regulation of PMN migration across intestinal epithelium at the stage at which PMNs reach the apical epithelial surface. A panel of Abs reactive with IFN-γ-stimulated T84 intestinal epithelial cells was generated. Screening efforts identified one mAb, GM35, that prevented PMN detachment from the apical epithelial surface. Microsequencing studies identified the GM35 Ag as human CD44. Transfection studies confirmed this result by demonstrating the loss of the functional activity of the GM35 mAb following attenuation of epithelial CD44 protein expression. Immunoblotting and immunofluorescence revealed the GM35 Ag to be an apically expressed v6 variant exon-containing form of human CD44 (CD44v6). ELISA analysis demonstrated the release of soluble CD44v6 by T84 cells during PMN transepithelial migration. In addition, the observed release of CD44v6 was blocked by GM35 treatment, supporting a connection between CD44v6 release and PMN detachment. Increased expression of CD44v6 and the GM35 Ag was detected in inflamed ulcerative colitis tissue. This study demonstrates that epithelial-expressed CD44v6 plays a role in PMN clearance during inflammatory episodes through regulation of the terminal detachment of PMNs from the apical epithelial surface into the lumen of the intestine.     

Biochemical and morphological differentiation of the human colonic epithelial cell line SW620 in the presence of dimethylsulfoxide.

In vitro models of intestinal cell differentiation provide an important adjunct for studying normal and abnormal intestinal epithelial cell differentiation. The studies reported herein describe morphologic and biochemical changes in the colonic epithelial cell line SW620 following dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) incubation. Cells cultured in the presence of DMSO showed striking changes in morphology characterized by enlargement, elongation, and formation of process-like structures by light microscopy and a propensity to form microvillus-like structures by electron microscopy. These changes were accompanied by significant differences in the expression of the cell surface markers CD4 (HIV gp120 receptor), CD44 (hyaluronate receptor), and KS1 (adenocarcinoma/epithelial specific antigen). There was a marked decrease in CD4 expression (38% to 2%), an increase in CD44 expression (4% to 50%) and a decrease in KS1 expression (98% to 66%) as detected by flow cytometry following incubation of SW620 cells in DMSO. Parallel changes in the expression of these markers were seen by metabolic and surface labeling studies. Although SW620 cells were infected by HIV-1, DMSO-treated SW620 cells could not be infected. DMSO-induced changes in surface expression of CD4, CD44, and KS-1 were reversible over time upon removal of DMSO from the culture medium. Secretory component, sucrase, neuron-specific enolase, chromogranin-A, and mucin were not detectable in SW620 cells with or without DMSO treatment. SW620 cells provide a useful model for studying specific biochemical and molecular events involved in intestinal epithelial cell differentiation and function.     

Prevention of TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis in polyamine-depleted IEC-6 cells is mediated through the activation of ERK1/2

It has been documented that polyamines play a critical role in the regulation of apoptosis in intestinal epithelial cells. We have recently reported that protection from TNF-alpha/cycloheximide (CHX)-induced apoptosis in epithelial cells depleted of polyamines is mediated through the inactivation of a proapoptotic mediator, JNK. In this study, we addressed the involvement of the MAPK pathway in the regulation of apoptosis after polyamine depletion of IEC-6 cells. Polyamine depletion by alpha-difluromethylornithine (DFMO) resulted in the sustained activation of ERK in response to TNF-alpha/CHX treatment. Pretreatment of polyamine-depleted IEC-6 cells with a cell membrane-permeable MEK1/2 inhibitor, U-0126, significantly inhibited TNF-alpha/CHX-induced ERK phosphorylation and significantly increased DNA fragmentation, JNK activity, and caspase-3 activity in response to TNF-alpha/CHX. Moreover, the dose dependency of U-0126-mediated inhibition of TNF-alpha/ CHX-induced ERK phosphorylation correlated with the reversal of the antiapoptotic effect of DFMO. IEC-6 cells expressing constitutively active MEK1 had decreased TNF-alpha/CHX-induced JNK phosphorylation and were significantly protected from apoptosis. Conversely, a dominant-negative MEK1 resulted in high basal activation of JNK, cytochrome c release, and spontaneous apoptosis. Polyamine depletion of the dominant-negative MEK1 cells did not prevent JNK activation or cytochrome c release and failed to confer protection from both TNF-alpha/CHX and camptothecin-induced apoptosis. Finally, expression of a dominant-negative mutant of JNK significantly protected IEC-6 cells from TNF-alpha/CHX-induced apoptosis. These data indicate that polyamine depletion results in the activation of ERK, which inhibits JNK activation and protects cells from apoptosis.     

Brain metastasis is predetermined in early stages of cutaneous melanoma by CD44v6 expression through epigenetic regulation of the spliceosome

Melanoma brain metastasis (MBM) is frequent and has a very poor prognosis with no current predictive factors or therapeutic molecular targets. Our study unravels the molecular alterations of cell‐surface glycoprotein CD44 variants during melanoma progression to MBM. High expression of CD44 splicing variant 6 (CD44v6) in primary melanoma (PRM) and regional lymph node metastases from AJCC Stage IIIC patients significantly predicts MBM development. The expression of CD44v6 also enhances the migration of MBM cells by hyaluronic acid and hepatocyte growth factor exposure. Additionally, CD44v6‐positive MBM migration is reduced by blocking with a CD44v6‐specific monoclonal antibody or knocking down CD44v6 by siRNA. ESRP1 and ESRP2 splicing factors correlate with CD44v6 expression in PRM, and ESRP1 knockdown significantly decreases CD44v6 expression. However, an epigenetic silencing of ESRP1 is observed in metastatic melanoma, specifically in MBM. In advanced melanomas, CD44v6 expression correlates with PTBP1 and U2AF2 splicing factors, and PTBP1 knockdown significantly decreases CD44v6 expression. Overall, these findings open a new avenue for understanding the high affinity of melanoma to progress to MBM, suggesting CD44v6 as a potential MBM‐specific factor with theranostic utility for stratifying patients.     

Expression of CD44 Splice Variants During Lymphocyte Activation and Tumor Progression

Recently, splice variants of CD44 have been described that confer metastatic potential to non-metastasizing rat pancreatic carcinoma and sarcoma cell lines. Using antibodies against variant CD44 (CD44v) sequences, we have examined the expression of variant CD44 glycoproteins on human lymphoid cells and tissues and in colorectal neoplasia. Lymphohematopoietic cells express low levels of CD44v glycoproteins. During the process of lymphocyte activation in vitro and in vivo, expression of CD44v glycoproteins is transiently upregulated. The reaction pattern of various antibodies indicates that these CD44 variants contain the domain encoded by exon v6, which is part of the variant that confers metastatic capability. In human colorectal neoplasia we observed overexpression of CD44 splice variants in all invasive carcinomas. Already at early stages of colorectal tumor progression exon v5 epitopes were overexpressed. Tumor progression was strongly related to expression of CD44 isoforms containing exon v6 encoded domains. The findings establish CD44 variants as tumor progression markers in colorectal cancer.