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Role of TGF-β1 in human colorectal cancer and effects after cantharidinate intervention
1Department of Molecular Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
Abstract:
Effects of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) were investigated in human colorectal cancer, and the influence of cantharidinate in inhibiting TGF-β1 expression was explored. Relationships among TGF-β1 and sex, age, tumor size, tumor location, tumor stage were also analyzed. H and E and immunohistochemistry staining were employed to assess colorectal cancer and TGF-β1 expression, respectively. Then, HCT-116 CRC cells were randomly divided into four groups, controls, no serum-treated, chemotherapy and cantharidinate-treated. Immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR were employed to assess the expression of TGF-β1 in CRC cells. Our data showed that the expression of TGF-β1 might be associated with tumor size and tumor location (P<0.05). The expression of TGF-β1 in CRC groups was higher than in adjacent groups (P<0.05). In addition, the expression of TGF-β1 in cantharidinate-treated group was much lower than in CRC group (P<0.05). Taken together, these results suggest that TGF-β1 plays an important role in CRC development. Cantharidinate might inhibit the expression of TGF-β1 and control the development of colorectal cancer.
Insights
Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is linked to colorectal cancer (CRC) development. Cantharidinate may inhibit TGF-β1 expression, potentially controlling CRC progression.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling is implicated in various cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC).
- Understanding the role of TGF-β1 in CRC pathogenesis and potential therapeutic interventions is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of TGF-β1 in human colorectal cancer.
- To explore the potential of cantharidinate in inhibiting TGF-β1 expression.
- To analyze correlations between TGF-β1 expression and clinicopathological features of CRC.
Main Methods:
- Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining for assessing colorectal cancer.
- Immunohistochemistry to evaluate TGF-β1 expression in tissues and HCT-116 CRC cells.
- Real-time PCR to quantify TGF-β1 expression in CRC cells.
- Experimental groups included controls, no serum-treated, chemotherapy, and cantharidinate-treated cells.
Main Results:
- TGF-β1 expression was significantly higher in CRC tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues.
- Elevated TGF-β1 expression correlated with tumor size and location.
- Cantharidinate treatment significantly reduced TGF-β1 expression in HCT-116 CRC cells.
Conclusions:
- TGF-β1 plays a significant role in the development and progression of colorectal cancer.
- Cantharidinate demonstrates potential as an inhibitor of TGF-β1, suggesting a therapeutic strategy for CRC.

