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Background-Laminin receptors are involved in cell-extracellular matrix interactions in malignant cells that show invasion and metastasis. Hepatocellular carcinoma frequently shows early invasion into blood vessels, and intrahepatic and extrahepatic metastases. However, the role of laminin receptors in hepatocellular carcinoma is unknown. Aims-To examine the expression of mRNA for laminin receptors and their isoforms in hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods-The expression of several laminin receptors, including 1 integrin, 6 integrin and its isoforms 6A and 6B, 1 integrin and its isoforms 1A and 1B, and 32kD/67kDa laminin binding protein was examined in human hepatocellular carcinomas and non-cancerous liver tissues using the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results-6 Integrin, 1 integrin, and laminin binding protein showed notably increased expression in hepatocellular carcinoma, compared with noncancerous liver tissue, although the 1 integrin did not show a significant change. Furthermore, 1B integrin, a splicing variant of 1 integrin, was overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma while the 1A integrin isoform did not show significant changes between hepatocellular carcinoma and surrounding non-cancerous liver tissue. Conclusions-The diVerential upregulation of laminin receptors and their splicing isoforms was shown in hepatocellular carcinoma, suggesting that certain laminin receptors and their isoforms may be involved in the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. (Gut 1998;43:837-842) Keywords: laminin receptor; integrin 6 1; hepatocellular carcinomaThe process of tumour development and metastasis appears to involve alterations in cell-cell and/or cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions mediated by specific receptors. The interaction between transformed cells and the basement membrane is an important step in the development of invasion and metastasis.

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