Expression of Leucine-rich Repeat-containing G-protein Coupled Receptor 5 and CD44: Potential Implications for Gastric Cancer Stem Cell Marker

BACKGROUND: The human leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein coupled receptor (LGR) 5 and CD44 are one of the candidates for the marker of gastric cancer stem cells. We compared the expressions of two genes among control, dysplasia and cancer groups. METHODS: We compared the mRNA expression of LGR5, CD44 and CD44v8–10 and immunohistochemistry (IHC) of LGR5 and CD44 in gastric antral mucosa of 45 controls, 36 patients with gastric dysplasia, and 39 patients with early gastric cancer. Additionally, IHC of LGR5 in gastric body mucosa was analyzed. Normal mucosa adjacent to dysplastic or cancer lesions was used for the quantitative real-time–PCR and IHC. RESULTS: Immunoreactivity of LGR5 in base of antral mucosa was higher in non-cancerous tissues of cancer than those of control (P = 0.006), whereas the expression of LGR5 mRNA was not different among the three groups. Immunostaining of LGR5 was much stronger in the antrum than in the body of stomach (P < 0.001). Although there was no difference in antral immunointensity of LGR5 according to the severity of intestinal metaplasia, stronger immunostaining was found in the body with an aggravation of intestinal metaplasia (P trend < 0.001). The expression of CD44v8–10 mRNA was higher in cancer patients than control subjects and patients with dysplasia (P = 0.018 and 0.009) while the expression of CD44 mRNA was higher in the control groups than the others. CONCLUSIONS: IHC of LGR5 in crypt base and CD44 may be used for gastric CSC markers. LGR5 expression may be associated with the developing of corporal intestinal metaplasia. The expression of CD44v8–10 mRNA would be more suitable for gastric cancer stem cell marker than CD44 or LGR5 mRNA.

Expression of Lgr5 in chronic superficial gastritis / 中国病理生理杂志

[ ABSTRACT] AIM: To investigate the expression and significance of Leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 5 (Lgr5) in chronic superficial gastritis.METHODS:The Wistar rats (n=30) were randomly divided into blank group, model group and control group.The Wistar rat model of chronic superficial gastritis was established by in-tragastric administration of 0.02%ammonia and long-term irregular diet.All rats were sacrificed, and gastric tissues were harvested and stained with hematoxylin and eosin.The expression of Lgr5 at mRNA and protein levels was analyzed by re-verse transcriptional polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry.RESULTS:Lgr5 was mainly expressed in the cell membrane and cytoplasm.Lgr5 showed high expression in model group compared with blank group and control group.No obvious difference between blank group and control group was observed.CONCLUSION:Persistent in-flammation leads to increased expression of Lgr5.Lgr5 may be a proinflammatory tumor promoting factor.