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Updated: Aug 14, 2026
Colorectal Cancer Cell Surface Protein Profiling Using an Antibody Microarray and Fluorescence Multiplexing
Published on: September 25, 2011
Identification and validation of genes involved in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer using cDNA microarrays and
Noelle Sevilir Williams1, Richard B Gaynor, Shane Scoggin
1Simmons Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390, USA. noelle.williams@utsouthwestern.edu
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to profile gene expression changes in colorectal tumors to identify new targets and strategies for the management of this disease.
Experimental Design:
cDNA microarray analysis was used to detect differences in gene expression between normal tissue and colon tumors and polyps isolated from 20 patients. To identify genes that are important in regulating the growth properties of colorectal cancer, RNA interference (RNAi) was used to disrupt expression of several of the overexpressed genes in a colon tumor cell line, HCT116, which showed similar patterns of gene expression as many of the patient tumors.
Results:
Expression changes of > or =2-fold in approximately one-third of the patients were consistently observed for 2632 of a total of 9592 genes (574 up-regulated genes and 2058 down-regulated genes). Subsequent analysis of 13 genes by quantitative real-time PCR confirmed the reliability of this analysis. RNAi-mediated disruption of the expression of one of these genes, survivin, a potent inhibitor of apoptosis, severely reduced tumor growth both in vitro and in an in vivo xenograft model.
Conclusions:
The combined use of microarray analysis and RNAi provides an excellent system to define the role of specific genes that are up-regulated in cancer lead to the increased in vitro and in vivo growth of colon tumors.
Insights
Gene expression profiling in colorectal tumors revealed key genes driving cancer growth. Disrupting survivin, an apoptosis inhibitor, significantly reduced tumor growth, offering new therapeutic strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) management requires novel therapeutic targets.
- Understanding gene expression alterations is crucial for identifying these targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To profile gene expression in colorectal tumors.
- To identify novel therapeutic targets and strategies for CRC.
Main Methods:
- cDNA microarray analysis to compare gene expression in normal vs. tumor tissues from 20 patients.
- RNA interference (RNAi) to disrupt overexpressed genes in HCT116 colon tumor cells.
- Quantitative real-time PCR to validate microarray findings.
Main Results:
- Significant differential expression (≥2-fold) observed for 2632 out of 9592 genes in approximately one-third of patients.
- 13 genes validated via quantitative real-time PCR.
- RNAi-mediated survivin knockdown severely inhibited in vitro and in vivo tumor growth.
Conclusions:
- Combined microarray and RNAi effectively identify genes critical to CRC growth.
- Survivin is a key driver of colorectal tumor growth and a potential therapeutic target.
Related Concept Videos
02:34DNA Microarrays
02:15Experimental RNAi