Expression of enteropeptidase in differentiated enterocytes, goblet cells, and the tumor cells in human duodenum

Enteropeptidase (EP) is a serine proteinase and activates trypsinogen to trypsin, thus playing an important role in food digestion. Nevertheless, the localization of EP is still controversial, likely due to a lack of studies using specific antibodies against EP. The aim of this study was to define cellular localization of EP in human duodenum and expression in tumor cells at the duodenal region. Immunohistochemical staining for resected tissues was performed with two antibodies against recombinant EP light and heavy chains, respectively. In situ hybridization was done with two RNA probes that include either the light or the heavy chain sequences of proEP, respectively. The two antibodies reacted with enterocytes, accentuated on the brush border, and goblet cells, with increasing intensity from the bottom of crypts to the top of villi. Paneth cells, neuroendocrine cells, Brunner's glands, lymphocytes, smooth muscle, or connective tissue did not react with the antibodies. The two RNA probes detected EP mRNA expression only in enterocytes and goblet cells. EP is produced in enterocytes and goblet cells, and the localization on the brush border of the cells is reasonable for the physiological activation of digestive enzymes. Interestingly, the antibodies reacted with tumor cells in duodenal polyps and adenocarcinoma at the duodenum but not in Brunner's gland adenoma. EP seems to be a marker of differentiated enterocytes and goblet cells, which suggests the existence of a common progenitor of these cells. Furthermore, EP may be a useful marker of tumor cells originating from these cells.