E-cadherin is essential for gastric epithelial restitution in vitro: A study using the normal rat gastric mucosal cell line RGM1

The proliferation and migration of epithelial cells appear to have importan t roles in intercellular adhesion and the regeneration of gastric mucosal l esions. However, the role of E-cadherin, an important intercellular adhesio n molecule, in restitution after gastric mucosal damage is unknown. This st udy was designed to investigate the possible role of E-cadherin in the rege neration of gastric mucosal lesions. Artificial small wounds were made in a n RGM1 confluent monolayer sheet, and the healing process was monitored wit h or without the presence of different concentrations of anti-E-cadherin an tibodies. E-cadherin mRNA and protein expression were determined by Norther n blot analysis and immunostaining, respectively. Epithelial restitution in anti-E-cadherin antibody-treated monolayers was inhibited as compared with that in the controls without antibody. E-cadherin mRNA and protein express ion were up-regulated transiently during the healing process. E-cadherin pl ays an important role during wound healing of gastric epithelial lesions an d is crucial for sheet migration.