We could detect colorectal cancer related genetic alterations by analyzing stool DNA with a sensitivity of 64% and 20% and a specificity of 95% and 100% for Long DNA and p16 respectively. A non-invasive molecular stool-based DNA testing can provide a screening strategy in high-risk individuals. However, additional testing on more samples is necessary from Iranian subjects to determine the exact specificity and sensitivity of these markers.
The cancer stem cell theory is considered as the spotlight of cancer biology, in which a subpopulation of tumor cells show unlimited proliferative and self renewal capacities. Post-transcriptional regulation is involved in different cellular functions such as cell differentiation and proliferation which results in cellular diversity. Musashi1 (Msi1) is one of the most important RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) which are involved in translational inhibition. Although, Msi1 targets are largely unknown, p21WAF-1, a cell cycle regulator, and Numb, inhibitor of notch signaling pathway, are well-known factors which are suppressed by the Msi1 in normal and cancer stem cells. Msi1 expression in tumor tissues from 53 ESCC patients was compared to normal tissues using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Msi1 was significantely overexpressed in 41.5 % of tumor samples and we observed a significant correlation between Msi1 expression and sex, in which the males had shown a higher level of Msi1 expression in comparison with the females (2.00 Vs 0.78 fold changes, p = 0.05). In this study, we assessed whether Msi1 is expressed in ESCC samples suggesting this protein as a novel cancer stem cell marker which requires further studies.
The results of this study indicate that DNA repair system is adversely affected by hypermethylation of hMLH1 in a fraction of gastric cancer patients. Additionally, E-cadherin hypermethylation seen in a subset of our gastric cancer patients is consistent with other reports showing correlation with aggressiveness and metastasis of gastric cancer.
BackgroundEpidermal growth factor receptor family members such as ErbB1 and ErbB3 are involved in tumor progression and metastasis. Although, there are various reports about the prognostic value of EGFR members separately in gastric cancer, there is not any report about the probable correlation between ErbB1 and ErbB3 co-expression and gastric cancer prognosis. In present study, we assessed the correlation between ErbB1 and ErbB3 co-overexpression (in the level of mRNA and protein expression) and gastric cancer prognosis for the first time.MethodsErbB1 and ErbB3 expressions were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR in 50 patients with gastric cancer. Parametric correlations were done between the ErbB1 and ErbB3 expression and clinicopathological features. Multivariate and logistic regression analyses were also done to assess the roles of ErbB1 and ErbB3 in tumor prognosis and survival.ResultsThere were significant correlations between ErbB1/ErbB3 co-overexpression and tumor size (p = 0.026), macroscopic features (p < 0.05), tumor differentiation (p < 0.05), stage of tumor (p < 0.05), and recurrence (p < 0.05). Moreover, ErbB1/ErbB3 co-overexpression may predict the survival status of patients (p < 0.05).ConclusionErbB1 and ErbB3 co-overexpression is accompanied with the poor prognosis and can be used efficiently in targeted therapy of gastric cancer patients.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.