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CD44 isoform expression in the diffuse neuroendocrine system. I. Normal cells and hyperplasia
W K Seelentag1, P Komminoth, P Saremaslani
1Department of Pathology, University of Zürich, Switzerland.
Histochemistry and Cell Biology
|December 1, 1996
Summary
Neuroendocrine cells from the neuroectoderm do not express CD44, while endoderm-derived cells show variable CD44 expression linked to differentiation. CD44 isoforms are associated with neuroendocrine cell origin and differentiation status.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Immunohistochemistry
- Endocrinology
Background:
- CD44 isoforms, generated by alternative splicing, are implicated in tumor progression.
- The distribution of CD44 in non-neoplastic neuroendocrine cells is largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and distribution of CD44 standard and variant isoforms in various non-neoplastic neuroendocrine cell types.
- To correlate CD44 expression with the origin and differentiation state of neuroendocrine cells.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze 42 tissue samples from different organs.
- Expression of CD44 standard and variant isoforms (CD44v3, v4, v5, v6, v9) was assessed.
- Double immunolabeling was performed for CD44 and peptide hormones to characterize neuroendocrine cell types.
Main Results:
- Neuroendocrine cells originating from the neuroectoderm lacked CD44 immunoreactivity.
- Endoderm-derived neuroendocrine cells displayed variable CD44 immunostaining, related to anatomical location and differentiation.
- CD44-positive cells predominantly expressed epithelial-type CD44 isoforms.
- Hyperplastic neuroendocrine cell clusters in pancreatic ducts showed CD44 expression, suggesting dedifferentiation.
Conclusions:
- CD44 expression in non-neoplastic neuroendocrine cells is dependent on their embryonic origin (neuroectoderm vs. endoderm).
- CD44 isoforms, particularly epithelial types, are associated with the differentiation status of endoderm-derived neuroendocrine cells.
- CD44 expression may serve as a marker for dedifferentiation in hyperplastic neuroendocrine cells.