Objective To investigate the role of microsatellite instability(MSI) in the carcinogenesis and development of gastric cancer (GC). Methods MSI was examined in 36 gastric cancer specimens obtained endoscopically and during surgery and in 30 intestinal metaplasia specimens using PCR SSCP methods. Results MSI was detected in 15 of 36 GC and 9 of 30 intestinal metaplasia specimens at one or more loci. MSI was positive in all three cases of early GC. The incidence of MSI in well differenciated GC was significantly higher than that in poorly differentiated GC (66.7% vs 26.3%, P

Objective To study the effects of cripto on migration, invasion, and liver metastasis of colorectal cancer cell. Methods After human colorectal cancer cell line SW480 was transfected by cripto small interfering RNA (siRNA), the mRNA and protein level were determined by Real-time RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. The migration and invasion ability were evaluated by wound-healing assay and boyden chamber model, respectively. Thirty nude mice model of liver metastasis from colorectal cancer was established by splenectomy. Results The siRNA could down-regulate the level of mRNA and protein of cripto in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Suppression of cripto expression could inhibit migration and invasion ability of human colorectal cancer cell in vitro. The metastastic rate and tumor nodules were lower in transfection with cripto siRNA than in two control groups in vivo. Conclusions Cripto gene might play an important role in regulation of liver metastasis from colorectal carcinoma cell, and suppression of cripto gene by siRNA can inhibit liver metastasis of colorectal cancer.