In contrast, the linear expression pattern of MUC4/1G8 along with the cell apexes of gastric cancer tissues may reflect unknown functions or characteristics of the MUC4β subunit detected by MAb 1G8 raised against rat epitope [15], as the present study demonstrated that MUC4/1G8 expression were related to lymphatic invasion and lymph node metastasis that are poor prognostic factors even in the early gastric cancer. The gene discussed is MUC4; the disease is metastatic malignant neoplasm in the lymph nodes.