SOX9 expression predicts relapse of stage II colon cancer patients

Single-cell transcriptomic analysis of normal and pathological tissues from the same patient uncovers colon cancer progression

The aim of the present study was to elucidate the evolutionary trajectory of colon cells from normal colon mucosa, to adenoma, then to carcinoma in the same microenvironment. Normal colon, adenoma and carcinoma tissues from the same patient were analyzed by single-cell sequencing, which perfectly simulated the process of time-dependent colon cancer due to the same microenvironment. A total of 22 cell types were identified. Results suggest the presence of dominant clones of same cells including C2 goblet cell, epithelial cell subtype 1 (Epi1), enterocyte cell subset 0 (Entero0), and Entero5 in carcinoma. Epi1 and Entero0 were Co-enriched in antibacterial and IL-17 signaling, Entero5 was enriched in immune response and mucin-type O-glycan biosynthesis. We discovered new colon cancer related genes including AC007952.4, NEK8, CHRM3, ANO7, B3GNT6, NEURL1, ODC1 and KCNMA1. The function of TBC1D4, LTB, C2CD4A, AND GBP4/5 in T cells needs to be clarified. We used colon samples from the same person, which provide new information for colon cancer therapy.

Copy-number intratumor heterogeneity increases the risk of relapse in chemotherapy-naive stage II colon cancer

Optimal selection of high-risk patients with stage II colon cancer is crucial to ensure clinical benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy. Here, we investigated the prognostic value of genomic intratumor heterogeneity and aneuploidy for disease recurrence. We combined targeted sequencing, SNP arrays, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry on a retrospective cohort of 84 untreated stage II colon cancer patients. We assessed the clonality of copy-number alterations (CNAs) and mutations, CD8⁺ lymphocyte infiltration, and their association with time to recurrence. Prognostic factors were included in machine learning analysis to evaluate their ability to predict individual relapse risk. Tumors from recurrent patients displayed a greater proportion of CNAs compared with non-recurrent (mean 31.3% versus 23%, respectively; p = 0.014). Furthermore, patients with elevated tumor CNA load exhibited a higher risk of recurrence compared with those with low levels [p = 0.038; hazard ratio (HR) 2.46], which was confirmed in an independent cohort (p = 0.004; HR 3.82). Candidate chromosome-specific aberrations frequently observed in recurrent cases included gain of the chromosome arm 13q (p = 0.02; HR 2.67) and loss of heterozygosity at 17q22-q24.3 (p = 0.05; HR 2.69). CNA load positively correlated with intratumor heterogeneity (R = 0.52; p < 0.0001). Consistently, incremental subclonal CNAs were associated with an elevated risk of relapse (p = 0.028; HR 2.20), which we did not observe for subclonal single-nucleotide variants and small insertions and deletions. The clinico-genomic model rated an area under the curve of 0.83, achieving a 10% incremental gain compared with clinicopathological markers (p = 0.047). In conclusion, tumor aneuploidy and copy-number intratumor heterogeneity were predictive of poor outcome and improved discriminative performance in early-stage colon cancer. © 2022 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

Sox9, Hopx, and survivin and tuft cell marker DCLK1 expression in normal canine intestine and in intestinal adenoma and adenocarcinoma

Self-renewal of the intestinal epithelium originates from stem cells located at the crypt base. Upregulation of various stem cell markers in intestinal epithelial neoplasms indicates a potential role of stem cells in tumorigenesis. In this study, the immunoreactivity of potential intestinal stem cell markers ( Sry box transcription factor 9 [Sox9], homeodomain-only protein [Hopx], survivin) and tuft cell marker doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) in normal canine intestine and intestinal epithelial neoplasms was investigated. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) small and large intestine as well as intestinal neoplasms (55 colorectal adenomas [CRAs], 17 small intestinal adenocarcinomas [SICs], and 12 colorectal adenocarcinomas [CRCs]) were analyzed immunohistologically. Potential stem cell markers Sox9, Hopx, and survivin were detected in the crypts of normal canine small and large intestine. DCLK1+ tuft cells were present in decreasing numbers along the crypt-villus axis of the jejunum and rarely detectable in large intestine. In canine intestinal epithelial tumors, nuclear Sox9 immunoreactivity was detectable in 84.9% (CRA), 80% (CRC), and 77% of epithelial neoplastic cells (SIC). Hopx and survivin were expressed within cytoplasm and nuclei of neoplastic cells in benign and malignant tumors. DCLK1 showed a cytoplasmic reaction within neoplastic cells. The combined score of Hopx, DCLK1, and survivin varied among the examined cases. Overall, malignant tumors showed lower DCLK1 scores but higher Hopx scores in comparison with benign tumors. For survivin, no differences were detectable. In conclusion, stem cell markers Sox9, Hopx, and survivin were detectable at the crypt base and the immunoreactivity of Sox9, DCLK1, survivin, and Hopx was increased in canine intestinal adenomas and adenocarcinomas compared with normal mucosa.

An Enhancer-Driven Stem Cell-Like Program Mediated by SOX9 Blocks Intestinal Differentiation in Colorectal Cancer

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Genomic alterations that encourage stem cell activity and hinder proper maturation are central to the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Key molecular mediators that promote these malignant properties require further elucidation to galvanize translational advances. We therefore aimed to characterize a key factor that blocks intestinal differentiation, define its transcriptional and epigenetic program, and provide preclinical evidence for therapeutic targeting in CRC.

METHODS

Intestinal tissue from transgenic mice and patients were analyzed by means of histopathology and immunostaining. Human CRC cells and neoplastic murine organoids were genetically manipulated for functional studies. Gene expression profiling was obtained through RNA sequencing. Histone modifications and transcription factor binding were determined with the use of chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing.

RESULTS

We demonstrate that SRY-box transcription factor 9 (SOX9) promotes CRC by activating a stem cell-like program that hinders intestinal differentiation. Intestinal adenomas and colorectal adenocarcinomas from mouse models and patients demonstrate ectopic and elevated expression of SOX9. Functional experiments indicate a requirement for SOX9 in human CRC cell lines and engineered neoplastic organoids. Disrupting SOX9 activity impairs primary CRC tumor growth by inducing intestinal differentiation. By binding to genome wide enhancers, SOX9 directly activates genes associated with Paneth and stem cell activity, including prominin 1 (PROM1). SOX9 up-regulates PROM1 via a Wnt-responsive intronic enhancer. A pentaspan transmembrane protein, PROM1 uses its first intracellular domain to support stem cell signaling, at least in part through SOX9, reinforcing a PROM1-SOX9 positive feedback loop.

CONCLUSIONS

These studies establish SOX9 as a central regulator of an enhancer-driven stem cell-like program and carry important implications for developing therapeutics directed at overcoming differentiation defects in CRC.

SOX9 has distinct roles in the formation and progression of different non-small cell lung cancer histotypes

The transcription factor SOX9 is a key regulator of multiple developmental processes and is frequently re-expressed in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Its precise role in the progression of NSCLC histotypes has, however, remained elusive. We show that SOX9 expression relates to poor overall survival and invasive histopathology in human non-mucinous adenocarcinoma and is absent in murine early minimally invasive and low in human in situ adenocarcinoma. Interestingly, despite wide SOX9 expression across advanced NSCLC histotypes, its genetic deletion in the murine KrasG12D ;Lkb1fl/fl model selectively disrupted only the growth of papillary NSCLC, without affecting the initiation of precursor lesions or growth of mucinous or squamous tissue. Spatial tissue phenotyping indicated a requirement of SOX9 expression for the progression of surfactant protein C-expressing progenitor cells, which gave rise to papillary tumours. Intriguingly, while SOX9 expression was dispensable for squamous tissue formation, its loss in fact led to enhanced squamous tumour metastasis, which was associated with altered collagen IV deposition in the basement membrane. Our work therefore demonstrates histopathology-selective roles for SOX9 in NSCLC progression, namely as a promoter for papillary adenocarcinoma progression, but an opposing metastasis-suppressing role in squamous histotype tissue. This attests to a pleiotropic SOX9 function, linked to the cell of origin and microenvironmental tissue contexts. © 2021 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

SOX9 is associated with advanced T-stages of clinical stage II colon cancer in young Mexican patients

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide and includes colon cancer (CC) and rectal cancer (RC). Regarding CC, the development of novel molecular biomarkers for the accurate diagnosis and prognosis, as well as the identification of novel targets for therapeutic intervention, are urgently needed. SRY-related high-mobility group box 9 (SOX9), a transcription factor, is involved in development, and has been associated with the progression of human cancer. However, its underlying clinical and functional effects in CRC have not been fully understood. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the clinical and functional relevance of SOX9 expression in CC. The expression of SOX9 in tumor tissues was evaluated in 97 biopsies from Mexican patients with CC with early-stage I and II disease by immunohistochemistry (IHC). In addition, SOX9 silencing in the HCT116 cell line was performed using specific small interfering RNAs, while downregulation efficiency was verified by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence. Spheroid-formation assay was carried out using ultra-low attachment plates. The IHC results showed that SOX9 was upregulated in patients with stage II (91%) and advanced T3 stage (67%) CC. Interestingly, higher SOX9 expression was associated with clinical stage, tumor size and tumor location. Furthermore, increased SOX9 expression was found in relapsed cases with local tumors; however, it was not associated with increased survival probability. Additionally, functional analysis indicated that SOX9 silencing significantly attenuated the sphere-formation capability of HCT116 cells. The present study was the first to evaluate the expression levels of SOX9 in Mexican patients diagnosed with early-stage CC. The aforementioned findings indicated that high SOX9 expression could play an important role in tumorigenesis and be associated with advanced T-stages of clinical-stage II patients, but not with relapse-free survival.

SOX9: An emerging driving factor from cancer progression to drug resistance

Dysregulation of transcription factors is one of the common problems in the pathogenesis of human cancer. Among them, SOX9 is one of the critical transcription factors involved in various diseases, including cancer. The expression of SOX9 is regulated by microRNAs (miRNAs), methylation, phosphorylation, and acetylation. Interestingly, SOX9 acts as a proto-oncogene or tumor suppressor gene, relying upon kinds of cancer. Recent studies have reported the critical role of SOX9 in the regulation of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Additionally, activation of SOX9 signaling or SOX9 regulated signaling pathways play a crucial role in cancer development and progression. Accumulating evidence also suggests that SOX9 acquires stem cell features to induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Moreover, SOX9 has been broadly studied in the field of cancer stem cell (CSC) and EMT in the last decades. However, the link between SOX9 and cancer drug resistance has only recently been discovered. Furthermore, its differential expression could be a potential biomarker for tumor prognosis and progression. This review outlined the various biological implications of SOX9 in cancer progression and cancer drug resistance and elucidated its signaling network, which could be a potential target for designing novel anticancer drugs.

Hsa_circ_0020095 Promotes Oncogenesis and Cisplatin Resistance in Colon Cancer by Sponging miR-487a-3p and Modulating SOX9

Objectives

Colon cancer (CC) currently ranks as the third most common human cancer worldwide with an increasing incidence and a poor prognosis. Recently, circular RNAs have been reported to regulate the progression of diverse human cancers. However, the role of circRNA hsa_circ_0020095 in CC remains largely unclear.

Methods

Expression levels of the related circRNAs, microRNAs and mRNA in CC tissues and cells were determined. The impacts of circ_0020095 or miR-487a-3p on CC cells were examined at the indicated times after transfection. Meanwhile, a luciferase-reporter experiment was employed to validate the interplay between miR-487a-3p and circ_002009695 or SOX9. Moreover, the in vivo tumor growth assay was applied to further evaluate the effects of circ_0020095 knockdown on CC progression.

Results

We demonstrated that circ_0020095 was highly expressed in CC tissues and cells. The proliferation, migration, invasion, and cisplatin resistance of CC were suppressed by silencing circ_0020095 in vitro and in vivo or by ectopic expression of miR-487a-3p in vitro. Mechanistically, circ_0020095 could directly bind to miR-487a-3p and subsequently act as a miR-487a-3p sponge to modulate the activity by targeting the 3′-UTR of SOX9. Interestingly, overexpression of circ_0020095 dramatically reversed the suppressive effects of miR-487a-3p mimics on CC cells.

Conclusion

Circ_0020095 functions as an oncogene to accelerate CC cell proliferation, invasion, migration and cisplatin resistance through the miR-487a-3p/SOX9 axis, which could be a promising target for CC treatment.

High SOX8 expression promotes tumor growth and predicts poor prognosis through GOLPH3 signaling in tongue squamous cell carcinoma

According to our previous study, GOLPH3 is markedly up-expressed in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC), which is also associated with poor survival. However, it remains unclear about key upstream and downstream mechanisms of GOLPH3. This study aimed to illuminate new mechanisms modulating GOLPH3 upregulation and promoting TSCC development at the molecular level. Using mass spectrometry and agarose-streptavidin-biotin pull-down analyses, SOX8 (SRY-Box 8) was identified to be the new protein to bind the GOLPH3 promoter within TSCC cells, which was further verified to be the regulator of GOLPH3 upregulation. The knockdown of SOX8 suppressed the promoter activity of GOLPH3, while secondarily inhibiting TSCC cell proliferation both in vivo and in vitro. Interestingly, GOLPH3 overexpression rescued the SOX8 knockdown-mediated suppression on TSCC proliferation. Additionally, exogenous over-expression of SOX8 also activated the activity of promoter as well as GOLPH3 expression, in the meantime of promoting TSCC development. Moreover it was discovered that SOX8 regulated GOLPH3 expression through interacting with TFAP2A. Moreover our results suggested that the SOX8 level was increased within tumor tissue compared with that in para-cancer normal counterpart, which showed positive correlation with the GOLPH3 level. According to Kaplan-Meier analyses, TSCC cases having higher SOX8 and GOLPH3 expression were associated with poorer prognostic outcomes. Taken together, this study reveals that SOX8 enhances the TSCC cell growth via the direct transcriptional activation of GOLPH3, which also indicates the potential to use SOX8/GOLPH3 pathway as the treatment target among TSCC patients.

Identification and Clinical Validation of a Novel 4 Gene-Signature with Prognostic Utility in Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a high burden disease with several genes involved in tumor progression. The aim of the present study was to identify, generate and clinically validate a novel gene signature to improve prediction of overall survival (OS) to effectively manage colorectal cancer. We explored The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), COAD and READ datasets (597 samples) from The Protein Atlas (TPA) database to extract a total of 595 candidate genes. In parallel, we identified 29 genes with perturbations in > 6 cancers which are also affected in CRC. These genes were entered in cBioportal to generate a 17 gene panel with highest perturbations. For clinical validation, this gene panel was tested on the FFPE tissues of colorectal cancer patients (88 patients) using Nanostring analysis. Using multivariate analysis, a high prognostic score (composite 4 gene signature-DPP7/2, YWHAB, MCM4 and FBXO46) was found to be a significant predictor of poor prognosis in CRC patients (HR: 3.42, 95% CI: 1.71-7.94, p < 0.001 *) along with stage (HR: 4.56, 95% CI: 1.35-19.15, p = 0.01 *). The Kaplan-Meier analysis also segregated patients on the basis of prognostic score (log-rank test, p = 0.001 *). The external validation using GEO dataset (GSE38832, 122 patients) corroborated the prognostic score (HR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.99-3.73, p < 0.001 *). Additionally, higher score was able to differentiate stage II and III patients (130 patients) on the basis of OS (HR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.78-3.63, p < 0.001 *). Overall, our results identify a novel 4 gene prognostic signature that has clinical utility in colorectal cancer.

Expression and Clinical Relevance of SOX9 in Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer is one of the most frequent tumours and the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. The investigation of new biomarkers that can predict patient outcome more accurately and allow better treatment and follow-up decisions is of crucial importance. SOX9 (sex-determining region Y (SRY)-box 9) is a regulator of cell fate decisions in embryogenesis and adulthood. Here, we sought to ascertain the relevance of SOX9 transcription factor as a prognostic marker in gastric cancer. SOX9 expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in 333 gastric adenocarcinoma cases, and its association with clinicopathological and follow-up data was evaluated. SOX9 nuclear expression was absent in 17% of gastric cancer cases and predicted worse disease-free survival (P = 0.03). SOX9 expression was associated with lower risk of relapse in Cox univariable analysis (HR = 0.58; 95% CI = 0.35-0.97; P = 0.04). The prognostic value of SOX9 was more pronounced in tumours with expansive growth (P = 0.01) or with venous invasion (P = 0.02). Two validation cohorts from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Asian Cancer Research Group (ACRG) confirmed that low SOX9 expression was significantly associated with poor patient outcome. In conclusion, we have identified SOX9 as a biomarker of disease relapse in gastric cancer patients. Further experiments are needed to elucidate its biological relevance at the cellular level.

SOX9 Stem-Cell Factor: Clinical and Functional Relevance in Cancer

Transcriptional and epigenetic embryonic programs can be reactivated in cancer cells. As result, a specific subset of undifferentiated cells with stem-cells properties emerges and drives tumorigenesis. Recent findings have shown that ectoderm- and endoderm-derived tissues continue expressing stem-cells related transcription factors of the SOX-family of proteins such as SOX2 and SOX9 which have been implicated in the presence of cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) in tumors. Currently, there is enough evidence suggesting an oncogenic role for SOX9 in different types of human cancers. This review provides a summary of the current knowledge about the involvement of SOX9 in development and progression of cancer. Understanding the functional roles of SOX9 and clinical relevance is crucial for developing novel treatments targeting CSCs in cancer.

SOX9 is an atypical intestinal tumor suppressor controlling the oncogenic Wnt/ß-catenin signaling

SOX9 inactivation is frequent in colorectal cancer (CRC) due to SOX9 gene mutations and/or to ectopic expression of MiniSOX9, a dominant negative inhibitor of SOX9. In the present study, we report a heterozygous L142P inactivating mutation of SOX9 in the DLD-1 CRC cell line and we demonstrate that the conditional expression of a wild type SOX9 in this cell line inhibits cell growth, clonal capacity and colonosphere formation while decreasing both the activity of the oncogenic Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway and the expression of the c-myc oncogene. This activity does not require SOX9 transcriptional function but, rather, involves an interaction of SOX9 with nuclear ß-catenin. Furthermore, we report that SOX9 inhibits tumor development when conditionally expressed in CRC cells injected either subcutaneous or intraperitoneous in BALB/c mice as an abdominal metastasis model. These observations argue in favor of a tumor suppressor activity for SOX9. As an siRNA targeting SOX9 paradoxically also inhibits DLD-1 and HCT116 CRC cell growth, we conclude that there is a critical level of endogenous active SOX9 needed to maintain CRC cell growth.

In vitro study on the role of SOX9 in trastuzumab resistance of adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction

Trastuzumab is recommended for the treatment of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG) in combination with chemotherapy; however, drug resistance has severely affected its clinical application. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of sex determining region Y-box 9 (SOX9), a prognostic marker in adjuvant oncological settings, on AEG cell proliferation and apoptosis in the presence or absence of trastuzumab. Furthermore, the molecular mechanism underlying the role of SOX9 in trastuzumab resistance was explored. ESO26 cells were treated with various concentrations of trastuzumab, and trastuzumab induced SOX9 expression in a concentration-dependent manner, as determined by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting analyses. Transfection of ESO26 cells with SOX9 small interfering RNA was conducted to knock down SOX9 expression, and the results of MTT and flow cytometry assays demonstrated that SOX9 knockdown sensitized ESO26 cells to trastuzumab by inhibiting cell proliferation and enhancing cell apoptosis. In addition, it was observed that the trastuzumab-induced phosphorylation of AKT was suppressed by SOX9 knockdown. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that SOX9 participated in trastuzumab resistance by affecting cell proliferation and apoptosis, and indicated that SOX9 may exert its effect on trastuzumab resistance via activation of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/AKT signaling pathway. This study identified a novel mechanism underlying trastuzumab resistance in vitro and may be useful in improving the efficacy of trastuzumab treatment.

SOX9 activity is induced by oncogenic Kras to affect MDC1 and MCMs expression in pancreatic cancer

SRY (sex determining region Y)-box 9 (SOX9) is required for oncogenic Kras-mediated acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM), pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasias (PanINs) and ultimately pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, how oncogenic Kras affects SOX9 activity is not yet understood, and SOX9-associated genes in PDAC are also unknown at all. Here, we investigated the mechanistic link between SOX9 and oncogenic Kras, studied biological function of SOX9, and identified SOX9-related genes and their clinical significance in patients with PDAC. Our studies reveal that oncogenic Kras induces SOX9 mRNA and protein expression as well as phosphorylated SOX9 expression in human pancreatic ductal progenitor cells (HPNE) and pancreatic ductal cells (HPDE). Moreover, oncogenic Kras promoted nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity of SOX9 in these cells. TAK1/IκBα/NF-κB pathway contributed to induction of SOX9 by oncogenic Kras, and SOX9 in turn enhanced NF-κB activation. SOX9 promoted the proliferation of HPNE and PDAC cells, and correlated with minichromosome maintenance complex components (MCMs) and mediator of DNA damage checkpoint 1 (MDC1) expression. The overexpressive MDC1 was associated with less perineural and lymph node invasion of tumors and early TNM-stage of patients. Our results indicate that oncogenic Kras induces constitutive activation of SOX9 in HPNE and HPDE cells, and Kras/TAK1/IκBα/NF-κB pathway and a positive feedback between SOX9 and NF-κB are involved in this inducing process. SOX9 accelerates proliferation of cells and affects MCMs and MDC1 expression. MDC1 is associated negatively with invasion and metastasis of PDAC.

Potential roles of microRNAs and ROS in colorectal cancer: diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets

As one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide, colorectal adenocarcinoma often occurs sporadically in individuals aged 50 or above and there is an increase among younger patients under 50. Routine screenings are recommended for this age group to improve early detection. The multifactorial etiology of colorectal cancer consists of both genetic and epigenetic factors. Recently, studies have shown that the development and progression of colorectal cancer can be attributed to aberrant expression of microRNA. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) that play a key role in cancer cell survival, can also lead to carcinogenesis and cancer exacerbations. Given the rapid accumulating knowledge in the field, an updated review regarding microRNA and ROS in colorectal cancer is necessary. An extensive literature search has been conducted in PubMed/Medline databases to review the roles of microRNAs and ROS in colorectal cancer. Unique microRNA expression in tumor tissue, peripheral blood, and fecal samples from patients with colorectal cancer is outlined. Therapeutic approaches focusing on microRNA and ROS in colorectal cancer treatment is also delineated. This review aims to summarize the newest knowledge on the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer in the hopes of discovering novel diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic techniques.

Genetic variants of SOX9 contribute to susceptibility of gliomas among Chinese population

Gliomas make up about 80% of all malignant brain tumors, and cause serious public health problem. Genetic factors and environmental factors jointly caused the development of gliomas, and understanding of the genetic basis is a key component of preventive oncology. However, most genetic factors underlying carcinogenesis of gliomas remain largely unclear. In current study, we systematically evaluated whether genetic variants of SOX9 gene, a transcription factor that plays a central role in the development and differentiation of tumors, contribute to susceptibility of gliomas among Chinese population using a two-stage, case-control study. Results showed that SOX9 rs1042667 was significant associated with increased gliomas risk after adjusted by age, gender, family history of cancer, smoking status and alcohol status (Allele C vs A: OR=1.25; 95% CI=1.11-1.40; P=1.2×10-4). Compared with the carriers of genotype AA, both those of genotype AC (OR=1.37; 95% CI=1.13-1.66) and CC (OR=1.53; 95% CI=1.22-1.91) had significantly increased gliomas risk. This should be the first genetic association study which aims to evaluated the association between genetic variants of SOX9 and susceptibility of gliomas. Additional functional and association studies with different ethnic groups included are needed to further confirm our results.

The prognostic value of polycomb group protein B-cell-specific moloney murine leukemia virus insertion site 1 in stage II colon cancer patients

The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of B-cell-specific moloney murine leukemia virus insertion site 1 (BMI1) protein expression in primary tumors of stage II colon cancer patients. BMI1 protein expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry in a retrospective patient cohort consisting of 144 stage II colon cancer patients. BMI1 expression at the invasive front of the primary tumors correlated with mismatch repair status of the tumors. Furthermore, BMI1 expression at the luminal surface correlated with T-stage, tumor location, and the histological subtypes of the tumors. In a univariate Cox proportional hazard analysis, no statistical significant association between risk of relapse and BMI1 protein expression at the invasive front (HR: 1.12; 95% CI 0.78-1.60; p = 0.53) or at the luminal surface of the tumor (HR: 1.06; 95% CI 0.75-1.48; p = 0.70) was found. Likewise, there was no association between 5-year overall survival and BMI1 expression at the invasive front (HR: 1.12; 95% CI 0.80-1.56; p = 0.46) or at the luminal surface of the tumor (HR: 1.16; 95% CI 0.86-1.60; p = 0.33). In conclusion, BMI1 expression in primary tumors of stage II colon cancer patients could not predict relapse or overall survival of the patients, thus having a limited prognostic value in stage II colon cancer patients.