Regenerating (REG) gene family belongs to the
calcium-dependent
lectin gene superfamily and encodes small multifunctional secretory
proteins, which might be involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, and
carcinogenesis. To clarify REG expression profile in
colorectal carcinoma (CRC), the authors examined the expression of REG Iα, Iβ, III, HIP/PAP, and REG IV by immunohistochemistry on tissue microarray. The expression of REG Iα, III, and HIP/PAP was more frequently observed in the
CRCs than adjacent non-neoplastic mucosa (p < 0.001), whereas it was the converse for REG Iβ and IV (p < 0.001). The expression of REG Iα, Iβ, III, and HIP/PAP was negatively correlated with the depth of invasion of
CRCs (p < 0.05). The REG Iβ and HIP/PAP were less expressed in
CRCs with than without venous invasion (p < 0.05). The positive rates of REG Iα and HIP/PAP were significantly higher in
CRCs without than with
lymph node metastasis (p < 0.05).
Mucinous carcinoma more frequently expressed REG IV
protein than well- and moderately differentiated ones (p < 0.05). There was a positive relationship between REG Iα, Iβ, III, and HIP/PAP expression (p < 0.05). Survival analysis indicated the REG Iβ or HIP/PAP expression was positively linked to favorable prognosis of
carcinoma patients (p < 0.05). This study indicated that aberrant REG expression might be closely linked to the pathogenesis, invasion, or
lymph node metastasis of
CRCs. REG Iβ and HIP/PAP could be considered reliable markers of favorable prognosis of CRC patients.