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Updated: Dec 3, 2025

A Genetically Engineered Mouse Model of Sporadic Colorectal Cancer
Published on: July 6, 2017
Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products Acts as a Fuel to Colorectal Cancer Development
Fatemeh Azizian-Farsani1, Navid Abedpoor2, Mohammad Hasan Sheikhha1
1Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
Abstract:
Receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) is a multiligand binding and single-pass transmembrane protein taken in diverse chronic inflammatory conditions. RAGE behaves as a pattern recognition receptor, which binds and is engaged in the cellular response to a variety of damage-associated molecular pattern molecules, as well as HMGB1, S100 proteins, and AGEs (advanced glycation end-products). The RAGE activation turns out to a formation of numerous intracellular signaling mechanisms, resulting in the progression and prolongation of colorectal carcinoma (CRC). The RAGE expression correlates well with the survival of colon cancer cells. RAGE is involved in the tumorigenesis, which increases and develops well in the stressed tumor microenvironment. In this review, we summarized downstream signaling cascade activated by the multiligand activation of RAGE, as well as RAGE ligands and their sources, clinical studies, and tumor markers related to RAGE particularly in the inflammatory tumor microenvironment in CRC. Furthermore, the role of RAGE signaling pathway in CRC patients with diabetic mellitus is investigated. RAGE has been reported to drive assorted signaling pathways, including activator protein 1, nuclear factor-κB, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, SMAD family member 4 (Smad4), mitogen-activated protein kinases, mammalian target of rapamycin, phosphoinositide 3-kinases, reticular activating system, Wnt/β-catenin pathway, and Glycogen synthase kinase 3β, and even microRNAs.
Insights
Receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) drives colorectal cancer (CRC) progression through inflammatory signaling pathways. Targeting RAGE and its ligands may offer new therapeutic strategies for CRC, especially in diabetic patients.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- Receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) is a transmembrane protein involved in chronic inflammation.
- RAGE acts as a pattern recognition receptor, binding damage-associated molecular patterns like HMGB1, S100 proteins, and AGEs.
- RAGE activation triggers intracellular signaling, promoting colorectal carcinoma (CRC) progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review downstream signaling cascades activated by RAGE in CRC.
- To summarize RAGE ligands, their sources, and clinical relevance in the inflammatory tumor microenvironment.
- To investigate the role of RAGE in CRC patients with diabetes mellitus.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of RAGE signaling pathways in CRC.
- Analysis of RAGE expression and its correlation with colon cancer cell survival.
- Investigation of RAGE's role in tumorigenesis within the tumor microenvironment.
Main Results:
- RAGE activation leads to numerous intracellular signaling pathways, including AP-1, NF-κB, STAT3, Smad4, MAPK, mTOR, PI3K, RAS, Wnt/β-catenin, and GSK3β.
- RAGE expression correlates with colon cancer cell survival and tumorigenesis.
- The RAGE pathway plays a significant role in CRC, particularly in the context of inflammation and diabetes.
Conclusions:
- RAGE signaling is a key driver of colorectal carcinoma progression.
- Understanding RAGE-ligand interactions and downstream pathways is crucial for CRC therapy.
- Targeting RAGE offers potential therapeutic avenues for CRC, especially in comorbid diabetic patients.
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