Expression of E-cadherin in human oral tissues

Abstract

We investigated the localization of E-cadherin, a Ca^<2+>-dependent cell-cell adhesion molecule, in clinically healthy and inflamed human gingiva, and oral squamous cell carcinoma biopsy specimens, using immunohistochemical methods. The expression of E-cadherin was strong in the cells from the gingival basement membrane to the stratum spinosum. Although the intercelluar influence of E-cadherin was observed in the cancer nest, its effect varied between different regions. The absence of E-cadherin expression in the keratin layer results in the easy shedding of these cells, and the decrease in E-cadherin expression in cancer cells suggests a potential for tumor metastasis.