RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Differing Expression of Metalloprotease and of Adhesion Molecules in Signet-ring Cell and Intestinal Colorectal Carcinoma JF Anticancer Research JO Anticancer Res FD International Institute of Anticancer Research SP 4417 OP 4422 VO 29 IS 11 A1 DANIELA CABIBI A1 ANNA CALASCIBETTA A1 FEDERICO ARAGONA A1 ANNA MARTORANA A1 MARIA CAMPIONE A1 ROSARIO SANGUEDOLCE YR 2009 UL http://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/29/11/4417.abstract AB Background: Pure signet-ring cell colorectal carcinoma (SRCC) is an infrequent and highly malignant histological variant of colorectal cancer (CRC), while it is present as a histological component in colorectal carcinomas more frequently. Materials and Methods: The aim of this work was to widen the knowledge of the biological factors involved in the pathogenesis and aggressiveness of SRCC by the identification and evaluation of possible molecular abnormalities. By means of immunohistochemistry the expression of the proteolytic degradation enzyme matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-1, that is a collagenase specifically degrading collagens I, II, III and of the adhesion proteins E-cadherin, β-catenin and fibronectin which are usually involved in the carcinogenesis of conventional colorectal tumours was investigated. Results: SRCCs showed a significantly greater MMP-1 expression compared to the ordinary intestinal colorectal cancer (ICRC) and a significantly reduced E-cadherin, β-catenin and fibronectin expression. Conclusion: The biological aggressiveness and strong metastatic behaviour of SRCC could be due to high MMP-1 and low expression of the adhesion molecules.