Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2026
07:33
In vitro Organoid Culture of Primary Mouse Colon Tumors
Published on: May 17, 2013
Bone morphogenetic protein signalling in colorectal cancer
James C Hardwick1, Liudmila L Kodach, G Johan Offerhaus
1Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands. j.c.h.hardwick@lumc.nl
Nature Reviews. Cancer
|August 30, 2008
Summary
Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway mutations are linked to inherited colorectal cancer. This study questions the role of BMP signaling loss in mesenchymal cells for sporadic colorectal cancer development.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) understanding often relies on inherited syndromes.
- Mutations in the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway are implicated in juvenile polyposis, an inherited CRC predisposition syndrome.
- Hamartomas in juvenile polyposis and BMP pathway mutant mice exhibit a significant mesenchymal component.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the evidence linking mesenchymal BMP signaling loss to hamartoma development.
- To question the relevance of this mechanism to sporadic colorectal carcinogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing evidence from human patients and mouse models.
- Analysis of the role of BMP signaling in mesenchymal cells.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests a primary role for mesenchymal BMP signaling loss in hamartoma development in inherited syndromes.
- The direct relevance of this mechanism to sporadic CRC requires further investigation.
Conclusions:
- Mesenchymal BMP pathway alterations are critical in certain inherited polyposis syndromes.
- The role of these alterations in the common, sporadic forms of colorectal cancer remains to be elucidated.
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