Deregulated expression of homeobox-containing genes, HOXB6, B8, C8, C9, and Cdx-1, in human colon cancer cell lines.

Previously we have demonstrated a reciprocal deregulation of various homeobox genes (HOXB6, B8, C8 and C9 vs Cdx-1) in human colorectal cancer (CRC). In the present study, using RT-PCR, we have investigated the expression pattern of these homeobox genes in various human colon cell lines, representing various stages of colon cancer progression and differentiation. Thus, we have tested polyposis coli Pc/AA adenoma cells, Caco-2, HT-29 and LS174T adenocarcinoma cell lines.

Human colorectal carcinogenesis is associated with deregulation of homeobox gene expression.

In the present study, the possible involvement of homeobox-containing genes in colorectal cancer (CRC) development was investigated. Using a stepwise screening approach and RT-PCR, we have demonstrated that the human HOXB6, B8, C8 and C9 are overexpressed at various stages of CRC. In contrast, all CRC cases exhibited a marked decrease in the homeodomain-containing Cdx1 gene expression.

Evidence for the involvement of the Wnt 2 gene in human colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequent cancers in humans. It develops via a multistage process involving alterations of both protooncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. In the present report we determined the level of expression of several Wnt genes in CRC by RT-PCR and direct sequencing.