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Published on: July 28, 2010
Collagen mRNA levels changes during colorectal cancer carcinogenesis
Hanne Skovbjerg1, Dorit Anthonsen, Inger M B Lothe
1Medical Department, Amager Hospital, Copenhagen S, Denmark. hanne.skovbjerg@amh.regionh.dk
BMC Cancer
|May 9, 2009
Summary
Colorectal cancer involves changes in basement membrane collagen. Alpha1(IV) and alpha1(VII) collagen mRNA levels increase in tumors and adenomas, while alpha6(IV) collagen mRNA decreases, indicating altered invasive properties.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Invasive epithelial cancers involve basement membrane dissolution.
- Type IV collagen is a key basement membrane component, with varying alpha chains.
- Type VII collagen is associated with anchoring fibrils in stratified epithelia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively determine mRNA levels of type IV collagen (alpha1, alpha4, alpha6) and type VII collagen (alpha1) during colorectal cancer development.
- To investigate collagen expression changes in colorectal cancer, adenomas, and normal tissues.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to measure mRNA levels of specific collagen chains.
- mRNA levels were normalized to beta-actin for accurate comparison.
- Immunohistochemical analysis visualized the distribution of type IV and type VII collagens in tissue samples.
Main Results:
- Alpha1(IV) and alpha1(VII) collagen mRNA levels were significantly elevated in colorectal cancer and adenoma tissues compared to healthy controls.
- Alpha6(IV) collagen mRNA levels were significantly lower in colorectal cancer tissue (5-fold decrease).
- Minor changes were observed in alpha4(IV) collagen mRNA levels.
Conclusions:
- Down-regulation of alpha6(IV) mRNA correlates with the acquisition of invasive growth properties in colorectal cancer.
- Up-regulation of alpha1(IV) and alpha1(VII) mRNA occurs early in carcinogenesis, even in dysplastic tissue.
- No significant differences in collagen expression were found between healthy individuals' normal tissues and affected individuals' normal tissues.
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