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Thymidylate synthase expression correlates closely with E2F1 expression in colon cancer
M Kasahara1, Y Takahashi, T Nagata
1The 3rd Department of Surgery, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
Summary
This study reveals a strong link between thymidylate synthase (TS) and E2F1 gene expression in colon cancer, suggesting E2F1 regulates TS. This relationship is conserved even in advanced stages of colon cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Thymidylate synthase (TS) is a potential target gene for the E2F1 transcription factor.
- The precise relationship between TS and E2F1 expression in primary colon cancer is not well-defined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between TS and E2F1 gene expression in colon cancer tumor samples.
- To explore the potential regulatory role of E2F1 in TS expression during colon cancer progression.
Main Methods:
- Gene expression levels of TS and E2F1 were quantified using TaqMan reverse transcription-PCR.
- Expression was normalized to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and reported as mRNA ratios.
- Analysis included tumor samples from 23 colon cancer patients across different stages.
Main Results:
- A significant positive correlation (r2 = 0.598, P < 0.001) was observed between TS and E2F1 gene expression in the analyzed samples.
- This strong correlation persisted even in advanced (Stage IV) colon cancer tumors.
- Four patients exhibited TS overexpression concurrent with elevated E2F1 expression.
Conclusions:
- E2F1 likely regulates TS transcription in primary colon cancer.
- The E2F1-TS regulatory pathway appears conserved throughout colon cancer malignant progression.
- E2F1 overexpression may drive increased TS expression in colon tumors, offering insights into cancer mechanisms.