Tissue localization of TGFalpha and apoptosis are inversely related in colorectal tumors

Histochemistry and Cell Biology
O HabelB Marian

Abstract

Expression of TGFalpha and the EGF receptor was studied in relation to apoptosis in human colorectal mucosa and premalignant and malignant tumors. In normal mucosa the proteins colocalized both in the proliferation compartment and at the luminal pole of the crypts in cells committed to undergo apoptosis. While staining for the EGF receptor was increased in premalignant and malignant lesions, TGFalpha was undetectable in aberrant crypt foci as well as large areas of adenomas. Incidence of apoptosis (AI) was high in these areas ranging from 8.83-24.59. Adenomas did, however, contain islands of high TGFalpha expression where AI was decreased to a range of 0.76-4.00 (decreased at P=0.0027). In carcinomas TGFalpha expression was increased above both normal and adenoma levels corresponding to the decrease in apoptosis in the malignant tumors. Tissue localization of TGFalpha and AI were still inversely related ( P=0.022), but interpatient variability was much larger than for adenomas. The data indicate that TGFalpha is the main survival factor in premalignant tumor cells of the colon, while additional factors moderate its effect in carcinomas. This suggests the possibility of targeting the EGF receptor pathway not only for treatment b...Continue Reading

Citations

Feb 1, 2003·European Journal of Pharmacology·Isabel VillegasCatalina Alarcón de la Lastra
Dec 20, 2007·Growth Factors·Brian W Booth, Gilbert H Smith
Sep 19, 2008·Neurogastroenterology and Motility : the Official Journal of the European Gastrointestinal Motility Society·C RouleauP de Santa Barbara
Dec 8, 2004·Food and Chemical Toxicology : an International Journal Published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association·Daniela JurekBrigitte Marian
Dec 12, 2003·World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG·Lei Cheng, Mao-De Lai
Dec 17, 2002·Histochemistry and Cell Biology·Esther Asan

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