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Published on: March 14, 2019
Argonaute proteins: potential biomarkers for human colon cancer
Lan Li1, Chaohui Yu, Hengjun Gao
1Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
Background:
Although Argonaute proteins are considered to play important roles in stem cell self-renewal, RNA interference (RNAi) and translational regulation, relatively little is known about their functions in human disease. In this study, we investigated the expression of eight members of human Argonaute family in colon cancer and identified their potential roles in tumor development and progression.
Methods:
Antibodies against human Argonaute proteins were prepared by immunizing rabbits with synthetic peptides derived from the sequences of Argonaute members. Then we constructed a tissue microarray containing 75 specimens from colon cancer and 75 specimens from adjacent non-cancer tissue, and assayed eight different proteins (EIF2C1, EIF2C2, EIF2C3, EIF2C4, PIWIL1, PIWIL2, PIWIL3 and PIWIL4) by immunohistochemistry on consecutive formalin-fixed tissue microarray sections.
Results:
The expression of EIF2C1-4 and PIWIL1-4 was significantly higher in tumorous tissue than in adjacent tissue. Notably, a significant correlation was observed between the positive expression of EIF2C2, EIF2C3, EIF2C4, PIWIL4 and the presence of distant metastasis. Logistic regression analysis revealed that an increased expression of EIF2C1 and PIWIL2 was significantly associated with occurrence of colon cancer tissue compared with non-cancer tissue.
Conclusions:
Argonaute proteins are overexpressed in colon cancer relative to adjacent non-cancer tissue. The expression of EIF2C2-4 and PIWIL4 appears increased in advanced tumors with distant metastasis, suggesting it may promote tumor invasion. Furthermore, EIF2C1 and PIWIL2 might represent novel colon cancer markers with early diagnostic significance.
Insights
Argonaute proteins are overexpressed in colon cancer. Elevated levels of EIF2C1 and PIWIL2 may indicate early-stage disease, while EIF2C2-4 and PIWIL4 correlate with advanced tumors and metastasis.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Argonaute proteins are crucial for RNA interference (RNAi) and translational regulation.
- Their specific roles in human diseases, particularly cancer, remain largely unexplored.
- This study focuses on the Argonaute family's involvement in colon cancer development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression patterns of eight human Argonaute proteins in colon cancer.
- To identify potential roles of these proteins in tumor progression and metastasis.
- To explore the diagnostic significance of Argonaute proteins in colon cancer.
Main Methods:
- Development of specific antibodies against human Argonaute proteins.
- Construction of a tissue microarray with 75 colon cancer and 75 adjacent non-cancer tissues.
- Immunohistochemical analysis of EIF2C1-4, PIWIL1-4 protein expression in tissue samples.
Main Results:
- Argonaute proteins (EIF2C1-4, PIWIL1-4) showed significantly higher expression in colon tumors compared to adjacent tissues.
- Increased expression of EIF2C2, EIF2C3, EIF2C4, and PIWIL4 correlated with distant metastasis.
- Higher expression of EIF2C1 and PIWIL2 was associated with the presence of colon cancer tissue.
Conclusions:
- Argonaute proteins are generally overexpressed in colon cancer.
- EIF2C2-4 and PIWIL4 may promote tumor invasion and are linked to advanced disease.
- EIF2C1 and PIWIL2 show potential as novel biomarkers for early colon cancer diagnosis.
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