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Updated: Jun 27, 2026

An Immunofluorescent Method for Characterization of Barrett’s Esophagus Cells

An Immunofluorescent Method for Characterization of Barrett’s Esophagus Cells

Published on: July 20, 2014

beta-catenin expression pattern in primary oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Zhi-gang Cai¹, Xiao-jian Shi, Yan Gao

¹Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, China.

Chinese Medical Journal

|December 17, 2008

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Reduced beta-catenin expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma is linked to lymph node metastasis. This finding suggests beta-catenin levels can indicate aggressive tumor behavior and aid in prognosis.

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Last Updated: Jun 27, 2026

An Immunofluorescent Method for Characterization of Barrett’s Esophagus Cells

An Immunofluorescent Method for Characterization of Barrett’s Esophagus Cells

Published on: July 20, 2014

Area of Science:

Oncology
Molecular Biology
Cell Biology

Background:

Beta-catenin is crucial for cell adhesion and signaling, with its aberrant expression linked to cancer progression.
Altered beta-catenin levels are implicated in the metastasis of various human cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate beta-catenin expression patterns in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).
To correlate beta-catenin expression with tumor differentiation, histological grade, and lymph node status in OSCC.
To assess the clinical significance of beta-catenin expression in OSCC.

Main Methods:

Immunohistochemical staining was used to determine beta-catenin expression in 76 OSCC patients and 16 metastatic lymph nodes.
Statistical analysis was performed to correlate beta-catenin expression with clinical and histological data.

Main Results:

Normal oral epithelium exhibited strong cell membrane beta-catenin expression.
Reduced cell membrane beta-catenin expression was observed in 71% of OSCC cases.
Cytoplasmic and nuclear beta-catenin expression were detected in 22.4% and 2.6% of tumors, respectively.
Metastatic lymph nodes showed significantly reduced or negative cell membrane beta-catenin expression (81.2% negative, 18.8% weak).
A significant inverse correlation was found between beta-catenin expression and lymph node status and histological grade.

Conclusions:

Reduced beta-catenin expression at the cell membrane is strongly associated with lymph node metastasis in OSCC.
Decreased beta-catenin expression may serve as a biomarker for aggressive biological behavior in squamous cell carcinoma.