Multi-stage analysis of FOXM1, PYROXD1, hTERT, PPARA, PIM3, BMI1 and MCTP1 expression patterns in colorectal cancer

To explore biomarkers with a tumor stage-dependent expression pattern in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC).

The fourth most common cancer in the world is colorectal cancer (CRC). A variation in the gene expression rate is a common change in cancers initiation and the accumulation of these variation changes the behavior of normal cells and turns them into cancer cells.

Real-time RT-PCR was used to investigate the expression patterns of the FOXM1, PYROXD1, hTERT, BMI, PPARA, PIM3 and MCTP1 genes in 54 patients with stage I to IV CRC and their relation with clinicopathological features of CRC were analyzed. Results: FOXM1, hTERT and MCTP1 genes are overexpressed in CRC tumor tissues when compared to normal adjacent tissues in all the stages.

FOXM1, PYROXD1, hTERT, PIM3, BMI1, PPARA and MCTP1 had-stage dependent expression. Investigation of the association between clinicopathological features and expression pattern of the studied genes revealed; a) a significant relationship between FOXM1 gene expression level and tumor stage, tumor size and lymph node involvement, b) a considerable association between alterations in PPARA and PIM3 expression and lymph node involvement, c) a notable correlation between hTERT expression level and the tumor stage and d) a strong correlation between MCTP1 expression and patient's age only.

Our study indicates that expression profiles of these genes either individually or together can be applied as potential biomarkers for prognosis of CRC.