Abnormal expression of the E-cadherin-catenin complex in dysplastic Barrett's oesophagus

It is now accepted that altered E-cadherin-catenin complex expression in oe sophageal cancer correlates with clinical and pathological parameters. whil e abnormal E-cadherin expression occurs early in Barrett's oesophagus. We e valuated immunohistochemically the expression and cellular localization of alpha-, beta-, and gamma-catenin, and E-cadherin in 5 dysplastic and 26 non -dysplastic cases of Barrett's oesophagus, Usually all three catenins were localized at the cell membrane, as was E-cadherin. A similar staining patte rn for E-cadherin and the catenins was observed in all cases of non-dysplas tic Barrett's syndrome. However; 60% (3/5) of cases with dysplasia showed l oss of membranous beta-catenin staining and diffuse cytoplasmic distributio n, with predominantly nuclear localization in two cases. Membranous stainin g and concomitant cytoplasmic localization of E-cadherin, alpha-catenin and gamma-catenin were seen in one case with abnormal beta-catenin immunoreact ivity. Our results indicate that altered subcellular distribution of beta-c atenin occurs frequently in dysplastic Barrett's oesophagus and possibly re flects the signalling function of this molecule.