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Role of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-4 in prevention of colon cancer

Rajaraman Durai1, Shi Y Yang, Alexander M Seifalian

  • 1Academic Division of Surgical and Interventional Sciences, University College London, London, UK. a.seifalian@ucl.ac.uk.

World Journal of Surgical Oncology
|November 9, 2007
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-4 (IGFBP-4) gene therapy did not prevent colon cancer in mice. However, it increased tumor cell death (apoptosis) and decreased tumor cell division (mitosis).

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Gene Therapy

Background:

  • Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) promote cancer cell proliferation.
  • Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-4 (IGFBP-4) inhibits IGF activity in vitro.
  • The role of IGFBP-4 in colon cancer development in vivo requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effect of IGFBP-4 gene therapy on colon cancer development in vivo.
  • To assess the impact of IGFBP-4 on tumor apoptosis, necrosis, and cellular mitosis.
  • To analyze the expression of IGFBP-4, Bcl-2, and Bax proteins in tumors.

Main Methods:

  • Nude mice were inoculated with HT-29 colon cancer cells.
  • Mice received gene constructs with or without IGFBP-4 or phosphate-buffered saline.
  • Tumor analysis included assessment of mitosis, necrosis, apoptosis, and protein expression (IGFBP-4, Bcl-2, Bax) after 4 weeks.

Main Results:

  • IGFBP-4 gene therapy did not prevent tumor establishment.
  • Increased tumor apoptosis was observed, associated with elevated Bcl-2 and Bax expression.
  • Low IGFBP-4 protein levels in treated tumors suggest a feedback mechanism.

Conclusions:

  • Localised IGFBP-4 gene transfer did not prevent colon cancer initiation.
  • IGFBP-4 gene therapy increased apoptosis and Bax protein expression.
  • A decrease in tumor cellular mitosis was observed following IGFBP-4 gene therapy.

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