The expression of CD97EGF and its ligand CD55 on marginal epithelium is related to higher stage and depth of tumor invasion of gastric carcinomas

CD97(EGF) is a member of the EGF-TM7 family of class 11 seven-transmembrane (7TM), and its cellular ligand CD55 (also known as decay accelerating factor; DAF) protects host cells from complement attack. To determine whether the expression levels of these two molecules are correlated with the clinicopathological features of gastric carcinomas, a total of 35 gastric carcinomas and their corresponding margins and normal specimens were investigated by RT-PCR, Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. Transcript levels of CD97(EGF) and CD55 were higher in tumors than those in the margin and. normal epithelial mucous tissues (P < 0.05). However, the expression levels of CD97(EGF) and CD55 mRNA had no correlation with the clinicopathological features of gastric carcinoma patients. All three groups of specimens were immunoreactive for CD97(EGF) and the CD55 protein. Strong and specific immunoreactivities of CD97(EGF) were located in the mucosal epithelia of the marginal basal membrane. Expression of CD97EGF in the margins showed a marked difference between the depth of tumor invasion T1 and T2, 3 and 4, and stages I and II/III/IV of gastric carcinomas (P < 0.05). The expression of CD55 protein was highly correlated with CD97(EGF) (R=0.6483, p < 0.001). Western blot analysis confirmed the expression and distribution patterns of CD97(EGF) and CD55. Our findings suggest that CD97(EGF) may play a role in the development and invasion of gastric carcinomas by binding its cellular ligand CD55. Detection of the CD97(EGF) expression in the tumor margin could be referred to as the molecular edge of gastric carcinomas.