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CD44 standard and variant isoform expression in normal human skin appendages and epidermis
W K Seelentag1, U Günthert, P Saremaslani
1Division of Cell and Molecular Pathology, University of Zürich, Switzerland. seelewa@pathol.unizh.ch
Histochemistry and Cell Biology
|September 1, 1996
Summary
CD44 standard and variant isoforms show specific expression patterns in human skin appendages and epidermis. This detailed analysis reveals distinct CD44 localization, crucial for understanding skin biology and disease.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Molecular Biology
- Immunohistochemistry
Background:
- CD44 isoforms are linked to tumor progression and metastasis.
- Understanding CD44 expression in normal skin is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of CD44 standard (CD44s) and variant isoforms (CD44v3, -v4, -v5, -v6, -v9) in normal human skin.
- To map the precise localization of CD44 isoforms in skin appendages and epidermis.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry on paraffin-embedded human skin sections.
- Microwave-based antigen retrieval and heavy metal-enhanced diaminobenzidine reaction for improved sensitivity.
- Monoclonal antibodies targeting specific CD44 isoforms.
Main Results:
- Hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and eccrine sweat glands showed strong positivity for all studied CD44 isoforms.
- Epidermis exhibited CD44 expression, strongest in the lower stratum spinosum, with weaker staining in stratum basale and upper stratum granulosum.
- Apocrine glands displayed cell-type-specific CD44 expression, with myoepithelial cells positive only for CD44s.
Conclusions:
- CD44 expression in human skin is both region-specific and cell-type-specific.
- These findings provide a detailed map of CD44 distribution in normal skin.
- This detailed expression profile may inform research on skin diseases and cancer biology.