Correlations of ICAM-1 gene polymorphisms with susceptibility and multidrug resistance in colorectal cancer in a Chinese population

Contribution of Endothelial Dysfunction to Cancer Susceptibility and Progression: A Comprehensive Narrative Review on the Genetic Risk Component

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a challenging clinical obstacle in oncological settings, marked by elevated incidence rates and resulting morbidity and mortality. In the context of cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT), endothelial dysfunction (ED) plays a crucial role in promoting a pro-thrombotic environment as endothelial cells lose their ability to regulate blood flow and coagulation. Moreover, emerging research suggests that this disorder may not only contribute to CAT but also impact tumorigenesis itself. Indeed, a dysfunctional endothelium may promote resistance to therapy and favour tumour progression and dissemination. While extensive research has elucidated the multifaceted mechanisms of ED pathogenesis, the genetic component remains a focal point of investigation. This comprehensive narrative review thus delves into the genetic landscape of ED and its potential ramifications on cancer progression. A thorough examination of genetic variants, specifically polymorphisms, within key genes involved in ED pathogenesis, namely eNOS, EDN1, ACE, AGT, F2, SELP, SELE, VWF, ICAM1, and VCAM1, was conducted. Overall, these polymorphisms seem to play a context-dependent role, exerting both oncogenic and tumour suppressor effects depending on the tumour and other environmental factors. In-depth studies are needed to uncover the mechanisms connecting these DNA variations to the pathogenesis of malignant diseases.

Roles of intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in colorectal cancer: expression, functions, prognosis, tumorigenesis, polymorphisms and therapeutic implications

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major global health problem and one of the major causes of cancer-related death worldwide. It is very important to understand the pathogenesis of CRC for early diagnosis, prevention strategies and identification of new therapeutic targets. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1, CD54) displays an important role in the the pathogenesis of CRC. It is a cell surface glycoprotein of the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily and plays an essential role in cell-cell, cell-extracellular matrix interaction, cell signaling and immune process. It is also expressed by tumor cells and modulates their functions, including apoptosis, cell motility, invasion and angiogenesis. The interaction between ICAM-1 and its ligand may facilitate adhesion of tumor cells to the vascular endothelium and subsequently in the promotion of metastasis. ICAM-1 expression determines malignant potential of cancer. In this review, we will discuss the expression, function, prognosis, tumorigenesis, polymorphisms and therapeutic implications of ICAM-1 in CRC.

New insights in the clinical implication of HOXA5 as prognostic biomarker in patients with colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Homeobox A5 (HOXA5) is a member of the HOX protein family which is involved in several carcinogenesis pathways, and is dysregulated in many cancer types. However, its expression and function in human colorectal cancer (CRC) is still largely unknown.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate HOXA5 expression in Tunisian patients with CRC in order to define new potential biomarker.

METHODS

An immunohistochemical labeling using an HOXA5 antibody was performed on 85 formalin fixed paraffin embedded specimens from patients with CRC. Six normal colon mucosa cases were used as controls.

RESULTS

HOXA5 expression showed a cytoplasmic staining in both tumor and stromal/endothelial cells. Loss or low HOXA5 expression was seen in tumor cells in 74/85 cases (87.06%) and in stromal/endothelial cells, in 77/85 (90.59%). In control group of normal colon mucosa HOXA5 was moderately expressed in all the cases. The abnormal expression, was significantly associated to lymph nodes metastasis in tumor cells (p= 0.043) and in stromal/endothelial cells (p= 0.024).

CONCLUSION

HOXA5 immunostaining results suggest the valuable role of this protein in colorectal carcinogenesis. Moreover, the association of lymph node metastasis to HOXA5 abnormal expression underlies its crucial role in colorectal cancer dissemination and prognosis.

Proliferation and invasion of colon cancer cells are suppressed by knockdown of TOP2A

Recent research has shown that TOP2A plays an important role in the tumorigenesis of many malignancies, such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and prostate cancer. However, few studies have been conducted on TOP2A expression and functions in colon cancer. In the present study, we found that TOP2A expression was obviously elevated in colon cancer tissues compared to adjacent non-cancerous tissues. Depletion of TOP2A in HCT116 and SW480 colon cancer cells by transfection of specific small interfering RNA significantly suppressed proliferation and inhibited invasion of cells, even induced apoptosis as indicated by both MTT assay, Annexin V/propidium iodide staining, and Transwell assay. Furthermore, we explored the underlying mechanisms. Knockdown of TOP2A not only affects the expression of cell apoptosis-related (Bcl-2 and Bax) and invasion-related proteins (MMP-2 and MMP-9), but also reduced the phosphorylation levels of ERK and AKT. In conclusion, we showed that TOP2A was upregulated in colon cancer tissue samples and that TOP2A may serve as an oncogene in colon cancer.