MUC1 as a biomarker in primary sclerosing cholangitis and cholangiocarcinoma

Jana G. Hashash; Pamela Beatty; Irene K. Yan; Raouf Nakhleh; Michael Camilleri; Denise Harnois; Francis A. Farraye; Fadi F. Francis

Authors Jana G. Hashash, Pamela Beatty, Irene K. Yan, Raouf Nakhleh, Michael Camilleri, Denise Harnois, Francis A. Farraye, Fadi F. Francis.

Abstract

Background MUC1 is a glycoprotein expressed at low levels in fully glycosylated form on healthy epithelial cells. In inflammation and malignancy, MUC1 becomes overexpressed and hypoglycosylated. We aimed to describe patterns of MUC1 expression in bile-duct tissue of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), PSC/cholangiocarcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, and healthy controls.

Methods In this proof-of-concept pilot study, archived human liver tissue samples were identified and stained using anti-MUC1 antibodies. Staining for all MUC1, and specifically hypoglycosylated MUC1, was performed.

Results Tissue from controls minimally expressed the hypoglycosylated/abnormal MUC1. Tissue from patients with PSC demonstrated moderate expression. Very high levels were expressed in sporadic cholangiocarcinoma.

Conclusion MUC1 may serve as a biomarker in the identification of bile-duct disease and cancer.

Keywords MUC1, primary sclerosing cholangitis, cholangiocarcinoma, bile ducts, biomarker

Ann Gastroenterol 2026; 39 (1): 48-53