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Query: UMLS:C0699790 (colon cancer)
 28,837 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Colorectal cancer is the most common malignant tumor in the french population. This tumor represents 45% of the cancers of the digestive tract in female and 60% in male. It is one of the main problem in the field of Public Health but recent progress for research, prophylaxis and treatment have been performed. There are two different pathogenic pathways for colorectal cancer. In chromosomal instability a sequence of rearrangements leads step by step from normal to adenoma and to carcinoma. It is the common pathway observed in 85% of colorectal cancers, mainly localized in left colon. In genic nucleotidic instability loss of tumor-suppresor genes and activation of cellular oncogenes are the consequence of DNA mismatch repair system, which is controlled by several genes. The defect of DNA mismatch repair leads to a hypermutable state in which simple repetitive DNA sequences are specially instable. This is the basis for a test to demonstrate nucleotidic instability. This pathway is found in the remaining 15% of colorectal cancers which are mainly localized on right colon. A mutational inactivation of both alleles of APC gene is considered as an initial gatekeeper event although some cancers begin with a mutation in beta-catenin gene which has the same functional impact. APC expression plays central role in regulating the rate of beta-catenin degradation. Destruction of beta-catenin prevents its translocation into the nucleus where it promotes cellular proliferation. About 5% of colorectal cancer are developed in a high risk population, Familial Adenomatous Polyposis coli (FAP) or Hereditary Non Polyposis Colon Cancer (HNPCC). FAP is caused by a germline mutation in APC gene. Every cell harbors a mutation of an APC allele which insures that a large number of adenomas will occur once an inactivating event occurs on the other wild-type APC allele. The demonstration of a constitutional mutation in a family allows to limit the survey only to the carriers. The phenotypic expression (attenuated, profuse, associated with extra-intestinal lesions) is correlated with the site of the APC mutation. Thus the determination of this site occurs in the choice of the treatment. HNPCC is suggested on clinical and genealogical criterions (young age of onset of cancer, multiple family members affected with cancer in multiple generations, the association of certain tumors in an individual of family, multiple tumors). A biological test may be useful to demonstrate the nucleotidic instability (MSI: microsatellite instability). Constitutional mutations on the mismatch repair genes, mainly MSH2 and MLH1, cause HNPCC syndrome. Endometrial and urethelial malignant tumors are frequent in an individual or in the family. The proven or suspected carriers of mutations undergo colonoscopic surveillance every 1 to 2 years, starting at age 25. An anti-tumoral action of the non steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID) is now recognized. Firstly observed in animal models of colon cancer the suppressive action was demonstrated in patient with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis. From the results of several epidemiological studies the suppressive action can be generalized to common intestinal tumors. This effect is in relation with the cyclooxygenase 2 inhibition. Other independent pathways intervene: NSAID interfere with beta-catenin, decreasing its action on cellular division. The indication of NSAID and more specifically of COX2 inhibitors in the prophylaxis of colo rectal cancer are yet questioned. The results of trials in progress are expected.
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PMID:[Recent notions on intestinal cancerogenesis, their implications in genetic risk screening and preventive action of non-steroid anti-inflammatory agents]. 1214 48

To elucidate early molecular events related to colon carcinogenesis, we examined alterations in the expression of colon cancer-related genes such as cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, APC and c-Myc, cell proliferation and apoptosis in the background colon mucosa, and K-ras mutation at aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in the colons of azoxymethane (AOM)-treated rats 4 weeks after the first exposure to AOM. About 40 ACF/colon were induced in the colons of rats treated with AOM (Group 1); however, rats not treated with AOM (Group 2) showed no ACF formation in the colon. The level of AgNORs in the colonic mucosa was significantly higher in Group 1 than in Group 2 (P<0.01). The colonic mucosa in Group 1 looked macroscopically and histologically normal, but the proliferative activity of the mucosa of rats treated with AOM was clearly elevated. COX-2 mRNA expression was not detected in normal colonic mucosa in Group 2, but 3 out of 10 rats in Group 1 showed COX-2 mRNA expression in their colons by reverse transcription (RT)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). There was a tendency toward an increased expression level of COX-2 in the AOM-treated group. The level of APC mRNA expression in Group 1 was significantly lower than that in Group 2 (P<0.01). Moreover, the level of c-Myc mRNA expression in Group 1 was significantly higher than that in Group 2 (P<0.01). An average of 0.034+/-0.006% apoptosis in colonic mucosa was detected in Group 1; the incidence of apoptosis in Group 2 was 0.021+/-0.005%. The difference between Groups 1 and 2 was significant (P<0.01). These results indicate that apoptosis was possibly induced to eliminate cells damaged by AOM administration. Six out of 22 (27%) ACF with 4 or more crypts showed K-ras mutations at codon 12; all mutations were G to A transitions (GGT to GAT). ACF with 1-3 crypts showed no mutations in the K-ras gene. In conclusion, AOM caused an increase in COX-2 and c-Myc mRNA expression, a decrease in APC mRNA expression, induction of apoptosis in normal-appearing colonic mucosa, and a K-ras mutation in ACF with 4 or more crypts. These findings may help to identify key targets in the early steps of colon carcinogenesis, against which drugs that would be broadly effective for chemoprevention of colon cancer could be developed.
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PMID:Molecular changes in the early stage of colon carcinogenesis in rats treated with azoxymethane. 1214 79

The tumor suppressor APC and its homologs, first identified for a role in colon cancer, negatively regulate Wnt signaling in both oncogenesis and normal development, and play Wnt-independent roles in cytoskeletal regulation. Both Drosophila and mammals have two APC family members. We further explored the functions of the Drosophila APCs using the larval brain as a model. We found that both proteins are expressed in the brain. APC2 has a highly dynamic, asymmetric localization through the larval neuroblast cell cycle relative to known mediators of embryonic neuroblast asymmetric divisions. Adherens junction proteins also are asymmetrically localized in neuroblasts. In addition they accumulate with APC2 and APC1 in nerves formed by axons of the progeny of each neuroblast-ganglion mother cell cluster. APC2 and APC1 localize to very different places when expressed in the larval brain: APC2 localizes to the cell cortex and APC1 to centrosomes and microtubules. Despite this, they play redundant roles in the brain; while each single mutant is normal, the zygotic double mutant has severely reduced numbers of larval neuroblasts. Our experiments suggest that this does not result from misregulation of Wg signaling, and thus may involve the cytoskeletal or adhesive roles of APC proteins.
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PMID:Drosophila APC2 and APC1 have overlapping roles in the larval brain despite their distinct intracellular localizations. 1229 97

Activation of PPARgamma by synthetic ligands, such as thiazolidinediones, stimulates adipogenesis and improves insulin sensitivity. Although thiazolidinediones represent a major therapy for type 2 diabetes, conflicting studies showing that these agents can increase or decrease colonic tumors in mice have raised concerns about the role of PPARgamma in colon cancer. To analyze critically the role of this receptor, we have used mice heterozygous for Ppargamma with both chemical and genetic models of this malignancy. Heterozygous loss of PPARgamma causes an increase in beta-catenin levels and a greater incidence of colon cancer when animals are treated with azoxymethane. However, mice with preexisting damage to Apc, a regulator of beta-catenin, develop tumors in a manner insensitive to the status of PPARgamma. These data show that PPARgamma can suppress beta-catenin levels and colon carcinogenesis but only before damage to the APC/beta-catenin pathway. This finding suggests a potentially important use for PPARgamma ligands as chemopreventative agents in colon cancer.
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PMID:APC-dependent suppression of colon carcinogenesis by PPARgamma. 1237 Apr 29

To clarify the molecular mechanisms of human carcinogenesis associated with abnormal beta-catenin/T-cell factor (Tcf) signaling, we have been using cDNA microarrays to search for genes whose expression is significantly altered after introduction of wild-type APC into SW480 colon cancer cells. These experiments identified a novel human gene, termed APCDD1, that was down-regulated in the cancer cells by exogenous wild-type APC; its expression was also reduced in response to transduction of AXIN1. Moreover, we documented elevated expression of APCDD1 in 18 of 27 primary colon cancer tissues compared with corresponding noncancerous mucosae. A reporter gene assay using the 5'-flanking region of APCDD1 indicated that transfection of beta-catenin together with wild-type Tcf4 into HeLa cells increased the reporter activity through two putative Tcf/lymphoid enhancer factor-binding motifs upstream of the transcription start site, indicating that APCDD1 is one of the direct targets of this transcription complex. Exogenous APCDD1 promoted growth of colon cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo, whereas transfection with antisense S-oligodeoxynucleotides decreased cell/tumor growth. These data suggest that APCDD1 is directly regulated by the beta-catenin/Tcf complex and that its elevated expression is likely to contribute to colorectal tumorigenesis.
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PMID:Isolation of a novel human gene, APCDD1, as a direct target of the beta-Catenin/T-cell factor 4 complex with probable involvement in colorectal carcinogenesis. 1238 19

Identification of the adenoma-carcinoma sequence with its corresponding molecular genetic alterations has significantly increased our understanding of the pathogenesis of colorectal carcinoma (CRC). This route of carcinogenesis, hallmarked by genetic instability at the chromosomal level, is conventionally called the "suppressor pathway" because it is frequently accompanied by biallelic loss or inactivation of specific tumor suppressor genes (APC, p53 etc.). However, not all genetic alterations involved in carcinogenesis in the colon fit into this linear tumor progression model. In part, hereditary and sporadic CRC develops from a genetic instability at the DNA level (detected as microsatellite instability, MSI). This route of carcinogenesis in the colon is also termed the "mutator pathway". While familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is grouped into the "suppressor pathway" category, hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) typically follows the "mutator pathway". Whereas most MSI cancers presumably develop from colorectal adenomas, emerging evidence indicates that some MSI tumors may develop from certain hyperplastic polyps via a "serrated adenoma" (termed the "serrated pathway"). This review shall present the different ways that colon cancer can develop and illustrate the molecular alterations and morphological and clinical correlates that characterize these carcinogenesis pathways. The review shall conclude with a discussion of aspects relevant to clinical practice.
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PMID:[Pathogenesis of colorectal carcinoma]. 1239 9

The development of nontoxic natural agents with chemopreventive activity against colon cancer is the focus of investigation in many laboratories. Curcumin (feruylmethane), a natural plant product, possesses such chemopreventive activity, but the mechanisms by which it prevents cancer growth are not well understood. In the present study, we examined the mechanisms by which curcumin treatment affects the growth of colon cancer cells in vitro. Results showed that curcumin treatment causes p53- and p21-independent G(2)/M phase arrest and apoptosis in HCT-116(p53(+/+)), HCT-116(p53(-/-)) and HCT-116(p21(-/-)) cell lines. We further investigated the association of the beta-catenin-mediated c-Myc expression and the cell-cell adhesion pathways in curcumin-induced G(2)/M arrest and apoptosis in HCT-116 cells. Results described a caspase-3-mediated cleavage of beta-catenin, decreased transactivation of beta-catenin/Tcf-Lef, decreased promoter DNA binding activity of the beta-catenin/Tcf-Lef complex, and decreased levels of c-Myc protein. These activities were linked with decreased Cdc2/cyclin B1 kinase activity, a function of the G(2)/M phase arrest. The decreased transactivation of beta-catenin in curcumin-treated HCT-116 cells was unpreventable by caspase-3 inhibitor Z-DEVD-fmk, even though the curcumin-induced cleavage of beta-catenin was blocked in Z-DEVD-fmk pretreated cells. The curcumin treatment also induced caspase-3-mediated degradation of cell-cell adhesion proteins beta-catenin, E-cadherin and APC, which were linked with apoptosis, and this degradation was prevented with the caspase-3 inhibitor. Our results suggest that curcumin treatment impairs both Wnt signaling and cell-cell adhesion pathways, resulting in G(2)/M phase arrest and apoptosis in HCT-116 cells.
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PMID:Beta-catenin-mediated transactivation and cell-cell adhesion pathways are important in curcumin (diferuylmethane)-induced growth arrest and apoptosis in colon cancer cells. 1246 62

Radiotherapy for malignant pelvic disease is commonly accompanied by treatment-induced proctitis, and rarely by colorectal cancer. Translocation of the beta-catenin protein, which is a key downstream effector of the Wnt signal transduction pathway, is frequently found in colorectal cancer. Nuclear beta-catenin enhances transcriptional activity of the cyclin D1 gene in cancer cells. Here, we evaluate the involvement of the Wnt pathway in radiation-induced colon carcinogenesis with rats (n = 36). Beta-catenin, APC, and cyclin D1 expression profiles were analyzed by immunohistochemistry in radiation-induced chronic colon injury including cancers and ulcerative lesions in rats (n = 12 in treated group, n = 12 in control group). In total, 3 cases of invasive adenocarcinomas were developed in the irradiated portion 50 weeks after a single dose of 36 Gy irradiation. Nuclear translocation of beta-catenin was observed in all radiation-induced colon cancers, whereas this protein was also found in the cytoplasm and/or nucleus of 9 cases of non-neoplastic irradiated colonocytes. Nuclear translocation of beta-catenin correlated with loss of APC and gain of cyclin D1 expression, suggesting activation of the Wnt pathway during radiation-induced colorectal carcinogenesis. A single dose of 10 Gy was also given for acute injury (n = 12: 3 each in days 0, 3, 5, and 7, respectively). Beta-catenin expression was distributed in the cytoplasm of degenerating glands at day 3 and 5, and was observed in the cell membrane of those glands with histological normalization at day 7 after irradiation. Because translocation of beta-catenin was found in irradiated-colonic mucosa as well as colon cancer, disruption of beta-catenin expression might be one of the early events in radiation-induced colonic carcinogenesis.
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PMID:Altered expression of beta-catenin during radiation-induced colonic carcinogenesis. 1253 May 73

Medulloblastoma is a malignant, invasive embryonal tumour of the cerebellum which manifests preferentially in children. A subset of cases is associated with colon cancer and APC germline mutations (Turcot syndrome), and APC and beta-catenin point mutations occur in up to 10% of sporadic cases, indicating the involvement of the Wnt pathway in the development of medulloblastoma. In 39 sporadic cerebellar medulloblastomas screeened for alterations in the AXIN1 gene, another component of the Wnt pathway, we found missense AXIN1 mutations in two tumours, CCC-->TCC at codon 255 (exon 1, Pro-->Ser) and TCT-->TGT at codon 263 (exon 1, Ser-->Cys). Furthermore, the A allele at the G/A polymorphism at nucleotide 16 in intron 4 was significantly over-represented in medulloblastomas (39 cases; G 0.76 vs-A 0.24) compared to healthy individuals (86 cases; G 0.91 vs A 0.09; P=0.0027). RT-PCR revealed large deletions in the AXIN1 gene in 5/12 (42%) medulloblastomas, consistent with a previous report. However, we observed such deletions at a similar frequency also in normal brain tissue (6/12, 50%). Since there are multiple complementary, inverted sequences present in the AXIN1 gene, these large deletions may represent RT-PCR errors due to stem-loop secondary structures.
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PMID:AXIN1 mutations but not deletions in cerebellar medulloblastomas. 1255 76

Peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs) are a family of related receptors implicated in a diverse array of biological processes. There are 3 main isotypes of PPARs known as PPARalpha, PPARbeta and PPARgamma and each is organized into domains associated with a function such as ligand binding, activation and DNA binding. PPARs are activated by ligands, which can be both endogenous such as fatty acids or their derivatives, or synthetic, such as peroxisome proliferators, hypolipidaemic drugs, anti-inflammatory or insulin-sensitizing drugs. Once activated, PPARs bind to DNA and regulate gene transcription. The different isotypes differ in their expression patterns, lending clues on their function. PPARalpha is expressed mainly in liver whereas PPARgamma is expressed in fat and in some macrophages. Activation of PPARalpha in rodent liver is associated with peroxisome proliferation and with suppression of apoptosis and induction of cell proliferation. The mechanism by which activation of PPARalpha regulates apoptosis and proliferation is unclear but is likely to involve target gene transcription. Similarly, PPARgamma is involved in the induction of cell growth arrest occurring during the differentiation process of fibroblasts to adipocytes. However, it has been implicated in the regulation of cell cycle and cell proliferation in colon cancer models. Less in known concerning PPARbeta but it was identified as a downstream target gene for APC/beta-catenin/T cell factor-4 tumor suppressor pathway, which is involved in the regulation of growth promoting genes such as c-myc and cyclin D1. Marked species and tissue differences in the expression of PPARs complicate the extrapolation of pre-clinical data to humans. For example, PPARalpha ligands such as the hypolipidaemic fibrates have been used extensively in the clinic over the past 20 years to treat cardiovascular disease and side effects of clinical fibrate use are rare, despite the observation that these compounds are rodent carcinogens. Similarly, adverse clinical responses have been seen with PPARgamma ligands that were not predicted by pre-clinical models. Here, we consider the response to PPAR ligands seen in pre-clinical models of efficacy and safety in the context of human health and disease.
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PMID:Advances in understanding the regulation of apoptosis and mitosis by peroxisome-proliferator activated receptors in pre-clinical models: relevance for human health and disease. 1262 71


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