Immunohistochemical analysis of HNF4A and β-catenin expression to predict low-grade dysplasia in the colitis-neoplastic sequence

RTCB deficiency triggers colitis in mice by influencing the NF-κB and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways

RNA terminal phosphorylase B (RTCB) has been shown to play a significant role in multiple physiological processes. However, the specific role of RTCB in the mouse colon remains unclear. In this study, we employ a conditional knockout mouse model to investigate the effects of RTCB depletion on the colon and the potential molecular mechanisms. We assess the efficiency and phenotype of Rtcb knockout using PCR, western blot analysis, histological staining, and immunohistochemistry. Compared with the control mice, the Rtcb-knockout mice exhibit compromised colonic barrier integrity and prominent inflammatory cell infiltration. In the colonic tissues of Rtcb-knockout mice, the protein levels of TNF-α, IL-8, and p-p65 are increased, whereas the levels of IKKβ and IκBα are decreased. Moreover, the level of GSK3β is increased, whereas the levels of Wnt3a, β-catenin, and LGR5 are decreased. Collectively, our findings unveil a close association between RTCB and colonic tissue homeostasis and demonstrate that RTCB deficiency can lead to dysregulation of both the NF-κB and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways in colonic cells.

Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 a (HNF4α): A perspective in cancer

HNF4α, a transcription factor, plays a vital role in regulating functional genes and biological processes. Its alternative splicing leads to various transcript variants encoding different isoforms. The spotlight has shifted towards the extensive discussion on tumors interplayed withHNF4α abnormalities. Aberrant HNF4α expression has emerged as sentinel markers of epigenetic shifts, casting reverberations upon downstream target genes and intricate signaling pathways, most notably with cancer. This review provides a comprehensive overview of HNF4α's involvement in tumor progression and metastasis, elucidating its role and underlying mechanisms.

The role of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α) in tumorigenesis

Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4 Alpha (HNF4α) is a master transcription factor mainly expressed in the liver, kidney, intestine and endocrine pancreas. It regulates multiple target genes involved in embryonic development and metabolism. HNF4α-related diseases include non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus. Recently, HNF4α has been emerging as a key player in a variety of cancers. In this review, we summarized the role and mechanism of HNF4α in different types of cancers, especially in liver and colorectal cancer, aiming to provide additional guidance for intervention of these diseases.