Connective Tissue Growth Factor Gene Expression Alters Tumor Progression in Esophageal Cancer

The ability of cancer cells to initiate specific fibroblast reactions may subsequently determine tumor evolution. In the present study we examined the coordinated expression of transforming growth factor‐beta‐1 (TGF‐b1), its signaling receptors, and its downstream mediator—connective tissue growth factor (CTGF)—and their impact on tumor progression and fibrogenesis in esophageal carcinomas. Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression of TGF‐b1, CTGF, TGF‐b receptor subtype I ALK5 (TbR‐IALK5), and TGF‐b receptor type II (TbR‐II) was studied by Northern blot analysis in esophageal cancer and the normal esophagus. By means of immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis, the respective proteins were localized in the tissue samples and the protein content was quantitated. Northern blot analysis revealed 3‐fold and 4‐fold increases (p