SOLUBLE FORMS OF THE ADHESION MOLECULE E-CADHERIN IN URINE

The adhesion molecule E-cadherin is essential for maintaining epitheli al intercellular adhesion. Loss or reduced expression of E-cadherin ha s been related to invasive behaviour in a wide range of carcinomas. Us ing immunoblotting techniques, the existence of multiple soluble forms of E-cadherin was demonstrated in urine from healthy volunteers and p atients with benign urinary tract disorders or bladder cancer. The exi stence of soluble forms of E-cadherin in the urine may reflect sheddin g from the urinary tract epithelium as part of the normal turnover of this molecule. The possibility that enhanced shedding may contribute t o the loss of E-cadherin expression/function in malignancy is discusse d