Syndecan-1, Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Markers (E-cadherin/β-catenin) and Neoangiogenesis-related Proteins (PCAM-1 and Endoglin) in Colorectal Cancer.

The Syndecan-1 protein plays a crucial role in cell proliferation, cell adhesion, cell migration and angiogenesis and, at the same time, its co-expression with E-cadherin is regulated during epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In colorectal cancer (CRC), the expression of syndecan-1, E-cadherin/β-catenin complex is frequently disturbed. Angiogenesis is critical for the growth and metastatic spread of tumors.