Coexpression of Matrilysin and Laminin-5 γ2 Chain May Contribute to Tumor Cell Migration in Colorectal Carcinomas

We attempted to examine the correlation between matrilysin and laminin-5 γ2 chain expression with reference to the number of dedifferentiation units along the entire invasive front (tumor budding). Immunostaining for hMMP-7 and laminin-5 γ2 chain was performed in 50 T1 colorectal carcinomas, and immunoreactivity was evaluated at the invasive front of the tumor. On hematoxylin–eosin sections, the number of tumor budding was counted. The localization of matrilysin tended to be widespread compared with that of laminin-5 γ2 chain. Matrilysin and laminin-5 γ2 chain expression were positive in 28 (56%) and 15 (30%) tumors respectively. There was a significant correlation between matrilysin and laminin-5 γ2 chain expression (P = 0.02). Matrilysin(+)/laminin-5 γ2 chain(+) tumors had a significantly greater amount of tumor budding than matrilysin(−)/laminin-5 γ2 chain(−) tumors (P = 0.003) or matrilysin(+)/laminin-5 γ2 chain(−) tumors (P = 0.03). In conclusions, coexpression of matrilysin and laminin-5 γ2 chain may contribute to tumor cell migration in colorectal carcinomas.