Coexpression of MUC1 with p53 or MUC2 correlates with lymph node metastasis in colorectal carcinomas

The alteration of the mucin profile have been known to play a role in colorectal carcinogenesis. MUC1 is up-regulated and MUC2 is down-regulated in colorectalcarcinomas. Overexpression of p53 is frequently noted in colorectal carcinomas with deep invasion or lymph node metastasis. However, there have been few reports about the association between MUC1, MUC2, and p53 expression with respect to the metastatic potential. This study was aimed to investigate the relationship of MUC1, MUC2, and protein p53 expressions with clinicopathological factors in colorectal carcinomas. Expressions of MUC1, MUC2, and p53 protein were examined immunohistochemically. Of total 97 cancers, 44 (45%) were MUC1 positive, 39 (40%) were MUC2 positive and 58 (59%) showed a p53 overexpression. Coexpression of MUC1 with p53 and dual expression of MUC1 with MUC2 were associated with a higher frequency of lymph node metastasis (p<0.05). The right colon showed a higher MUC1 positivity and frequent lymph node metastasis than the left colon (p<0.05). These results suggest that the coexpression of MUC 1 with p53 or MUC2 are involved in regional lymph node metastasis in colorectal carcinomas. The high expression of MUC1 in the right colon cancer was revealed to relate with lymph node metastasis.