Role of KAI1 gene expression and loss of heterozygosity of KAI1 in metastatic potential and prognosis of pancreatic cancer

Objective To investigate the role of KAI1 gene expression and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of KAI1 in metastatic potential and prognosis of pancreatic cancer. Methods The expression of KAI1 gene was studied by immunohistochemistry for CD82 on paraffin-embedded tumor tissues. The LOH of KAI1 gene was detected by microdissection, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and denaturing high performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC). Results The pesitivity rate of CD82 in primary pancreatic cancer was 76% (47/62). CD82 expression was significantly higher (P<0.01 ) in earlier tumor stages (Ⅰ and Ⅱ), as compared to the advanced tumor stages (Ⅲ and Ⅳ) in which nodal or distant metastases were present. The expression rate of CD82 in patients who survived for more than one year was higher than that in patients who survived for less than one year ( P<0.05 ). The percentage of LOH at D11S1344 and D11S1326 loci was 17%. Conclusions The abnormal expression of CD82 which participates in malignant progression of pancreatic cancer is probably associated with LOH of KAI1 gene. Detection of CD82 expression and LOH of KAI1 gene may carry potential clinical significance in evaluating the metastatic potential and prognosis of pancreatic cancer. Key words: Pancreatic neoplasms;  Kangai-1 protein;  Loss of heterozygosity;  Metastasis;  Prognosis