Profile of gene expression of TLR-signaling pathways in colorectal cancer tissues
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Updated: Feb 28, 2026

Discovery of Driver Genes in Colorectal HT29-derived Cancer Stem-Like Tumorspheres
Published on: July 22, 2020
Martyna Bednarczyk1, Małgorzata Muc-Wierzgoń1, Katarzyna Walkiewicz1
11 Department of Internal Medicine, School of Public Health in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland.
Abstract:
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are involved in transduction of molecular signals in immune process such as induction and regulation of immunity, production of cytokines, and recognition of specific molecular patterns on the surface of microorganisms, but also in cancer development-which was partially proven in previous studies. There is a lack of detailed research on differentiating levels of TLR expression in colorectal cancer at different stages of its advancement, so in our study we want to determine whether there is such a difference of TLRs and TLR-connected protein expression. In this study, 83 samples of colorectal adenocarcinoma (varying clinical degrees) and 40 slices of healthy colon tissue have been analyzed. The delivered material was subjected to homogenization and extraction of total RNA. The isolated RNA was subsequently purified and valued quantitatively and qualitatively. Quantification was performed using a spectrophotometer GeneQuant II. The RNA concentration in the tested samples was determined spectrophotometrically. A qualitative assessment was performed by performing electrophoresis on a 1% agarose gel stained with ethidium bromide. The expression profile of the genes encoding the TLRs was determined using oligonucleotide microarray HG-U133A. To determine the mRNA (messenger RNA), differentiate cancerous tissue from normal colon using PL-Grid Infrastructure. The results were analyzed statistically, taking a significance level P < 0.05. In the study were found three proteins, DUSP2, IFNγ, EIF4A1, associated with TLR system, that differentiate early stages of colorectal cancer of healthy tissue, moreover eleven, inter alia: vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which differentiate high stage of cancer of healthy tissues. The results emphasize the role of pathways associated with TLR activation in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer. In summary, molecular studies on the development of colorectal cancer will enable the introduction of minimally invasive genetic diagnosis of early forms of cancer. In addition, identification of new signaling pathways can provide the basis for developing new therapeutic methods.
Insights
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and associated proteins like VEGF show varying expression in colorectal cancer stages. This research identifies key molecular markers for early detection and potential new therapies for colon cancer.
Area of Science:
- Immunology and Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are crucial in immune responses and have been implicated in cancer development.
- Limited research exists on differential TLR expression across colorectal cancer (CRC) stages.
- Understanding TLRs' role in CRC pathogenesis is vital for advancing diagnostics and therapeutics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differential expression of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and associated proteins in colorectal cancer.
- To determine if TLR expression levels vary across different stages of colorectal adenocarcinoma.
- To identify potential molecular markers for early CRC detection and therapeutic targets.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 83 colorectal adenocarcinoma samples and 40 healthy colon tissues.
- RNA extraction, purification, and quantification using spectrophotometry and electrophoresis.
- Gene expression profiling of TLRs using oligonucleotide microarrays (HG-U133A) and mRNA analysis.
Main Results:
- Three proteins (DUSP2, IFNγ, EIF4A1) associated with the TLR system differentiated early-stage CRC from healthy tissue.
- Eleven proteins, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), differentiated high-stage CRC from healthy tissues.
- Statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed in protein expression profiles.
Conclusions:
- TLR activation pathways play a significant role in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer.
- Identified proteins serve as potential biomarkers for early CRC diagnosis and staging.
- Molecular insights may pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies and minimally invasive genetic diagnostics.
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