Expression of claudins in human hepatoblastoma

Background/Aims: Claudins are recently described transmembrane proteins of the tight junctions and might play an essential role in carcinogenesis. We characterized the expression of claudin 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7 in human hepatoblastoma with respect to expressional differences between the fetal and embryonal components. Material/Methods: Fourteen surgically resected specimen were analysed by immunohistochemistry. Monoclonal mouse antibodies were used to detect claudin 2, 4, PCNA, Ki-67 and beta-catenin, rabbit polyclonal antibodies were utilized to localize claudin 1, 3 and 7 expression. Claudin 1,3,4,7 mRNA expressio…