Objective:To investigate the significance of the expression of MUC2 gene and E-cadherin in primary gastric cancers. Methods:The proteins were detected by immunohistochemistry. Results: The rate of the MUC2 gene expression was 84% and E-cadherin was 56%.The expression of MUC2 was strongly related to the different types of cancer and had strong expression in all mucinous carcinoma

but it had no significant difference in patients′ age

gender

the location of the tumor

involvement of the lymph nodes

the depth of gastric wall invasion and the metastasis to other organs. As for the expression of E-cadherin

though it had the tendency that it might have the relation with tumor differentiation but significant statistics were not found .There was a positive relationship between the MUC2 and E-cadherin. Conclusion: MUC2 is a good marker for different types of gastric cancers

especially for studying the characteristics of mucinous carcinomas;E-cadherin may influence the differentiation of gastric cancer;MUC2 may have influence on E-cadherin and therefore contribute to the invasion and metastasis of gastric cancers.