Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 6, 2025
Competing-Risk Nomogram for Predicting Cancer-Specific Survival in Multiple Primary Colorectal Cancer Patients after Surgery
Published on: September 27, 2024
2019-nCoV may create complications in colon cancer patients with ACE2 expression
Yongyi Chen1,2,3, Wangang Gong1,2,3, Haibin Wei1,2,3
1Institute of Cancer Research and Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences Hangzhou 310022, China.
Abstract:
Since December 2019, a novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) has emerged from Wuhan, China, causing symptoms in humans. Much remains unknown about 2019-nCoV, especially the additional risks that 2019-nCoV infection may pose for colon cancer patients. Many reports show that angiotensin converting enzyme II (ACE2) is the cell receptor through which 2019-nCoV enters host cells, and this is similar to the cell entry mechanism of SARS coronavirus. Previous studies show that ACE2 is highly expressed in the gastrointestinal tract, especially in the colon. In patients with colon cancer, ACE2 expression is significantly increased in tumor tissues compared to tissues from patients with other types of cancer. One of the known regulators of endocytosis is the serine protease (TMPRSS2) and AP2-associated protein kinase 1 (AAK1), which also facilitates the passage of viruses into cells. Furthermore, the Database of Gene expression profiling interactive analysis suggests that expression levels for ACE2, TMPRSS2, and AAK1 are positively correlated in colon cells. Therefore, our findings predict that 2019-nCoV will create increased complications for patients with colon cancer.
Insights
The novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) may pose increased risks for colon cancer patients. This is because ACE2, a key viral entry receptor, is highly expressed in colon tumors, potentially increasing complications.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- A novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) emerged in late 2019, with its full impact on various patient groups still under investigation.
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme II (ACE2) is identified as the primary cell receptor for 2019-nCoV entry into host cells, mirroring the mechanism of SARS coronavirus.
- ACE2 expression is notably high in the gastrointestinal tract, particularly in the colon.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential risks and complications of 2019-nCoV infection in patients with colon cancer.
- To explore the correlation between ACE2 expression and colon cancer, considering its role in viral entry.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on 2019-nCoV, ACE2, and SARS coronavirus.
- Analysis of gene expression data, specifically focusing on ACE2, TMPRSS2, and AAK1 in colon tissues.
- Utilizing the Database of Gene expression profiling interactive analysis (GEPIA).
Main Results:
- ACE2 expression is significantly elevated in colon cancer tissues compared to other cancer types.
- ACE2, TMPRSS2, and AAK1 (involved in viral entry and endocytosis) show positive correlation in colon cells.
- This suggests a potential mechanism for increased viral entry and complications in colon cancer patients.
Conclusions:
- The heightened expression of ACE2 and associated proteins in colon cancer tissues suggests a higher susceptibility to 2019-nCoV infection.
- Colon cancer patients may face increased complications due to the viral entry mechanism facilitated by ACE2, TMPRSS2, and AAK1.
- Further research is warranted to confirm these predictions and develop targeted strategies for managing 2019-nCoV in this vulnerable population.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
02:53Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
01:21Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure...
02:07Tumor Progression
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
02:56Treatment Resistant Cancers
02:49Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...