Role of CD24 polymorphisms in the susceptibility to inflammatory bowel disease.

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) results from an inappropriate inflammatory response in which genetic, immune, and environmental factors all play important roles. Recently, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CD24 gene have been associated with the development of several autoimmune diseases.

Aim: To evaluate whether CD24 SNPs, are associated with risk of ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD).

Novel approach to abuse the hyperactive K-Ras pathway for adenoviral gene therapy of colorectal cancer.

Background: Functional activation of oncogenic K-Ras signaling pathway plays an important role in the early events of colorectal carcinogenesis (CRC). K-Ras proto-oncogene is involved in 35-40% of CRC cases. Mutations in the Ras gene trigger the transduction of proliferative and anti-apoptotic signals, even in the absence of extra cellular stimuli.

Targeted immunotherapy for colorectal cancer: monoclonal antibodies and immunotoxins.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major health concern worldwide. It is the third most frequently diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death. There currently are a number of treatment options for CRC, however many of them have failed to demonstrate desired therapeutic benefit.