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Expression of NDRG2 is down-regulated in high-risk adenomas and colorectal carcinoma

Anders Lorentzen1, Lotte K Vogel, Rikke H Lewinsky

  • 1Eucaryotic Cell Biology Research Group, Department of Science, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark. anbl@ruc.dk

BMC Cancer
|October 16, 2007
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

NDRG2 mRNA is down-regulated in late-stage colorectal cancer. This study investigated NDRG2 expression in colon cancer, finding reduced levels in carcinomas and high-risk adenomas, suggesting a role in carcinogenesis.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • NDRG2 mRNA is undetectable or down-regulated in various human cancers.
  • High NDRG2 expression correlates with better prognosis in high-grade gliomas.
  • The precise function of NDRG2 remains largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate NDRG2 mRNA expression in colon cancer.
  • To determine the stage at which NDRG2 down-regulation occurs during colonic carcinogenesis.
  • To analyze NDRG2 expression in colorectal adenomas and carcinomas.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative RT-PCR was used to measure NDRG2 mRNA levels.
  • NDRG2 levels were assessed in low-risk adenomas, high-risk adenomas, and colorectal carcinomas.
  • Expression levels were normalized to beta-actin and compared between cancerous and normal tissues.

Main Results:

  • NDRG2 mRNA levels were significantly lower in colorectal carcinomas compared to normal control tissue.
  • NDRG2 expression was significantly reduced in both high-risk adenomas and colorectal carcinomas versus adjacent normal tissue.
  • A trend indicated decreasing NDRG2 levels with increasing Dukes' stage.

Conclusions:

  • NDRG2 expression is down-regulated during the late stages of colorectal carcinogenesis.
  • Further research is required to ascertain if NDRG2 down-regulation causes or results from tumor progression.
  • NDRG2 may serve as a potential biomarker in colorectal cancer.

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