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Updated: Jul 5, 2025

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Expression Status of Rap1 Pathway-Related Genes in Liver Metastases Compared with Corresponding Primary Colorectal

Maryam Abbastabar1,2, Heike Allgayer3, Mahdi Sepidarkish4

  • 1Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol 47176-47745, Iran.

Cancers
|January 11, 2024
PubMed

Insights

This study investigated Rap1 pathway genes in colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRLM). NRAS, FGF1, and KDR showed higher expression in metastatic tissues, suggesting their role in metastasis and potential as diagnostic markers.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular biology
  • Oncology
  • Cancer research

Background:

  • Colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRLM) molecular networks are not fully understood.
  • Identifying molecular drivers of metastasis is crucial for targeted therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression of Rap1 pathway-related genes in CRLM.
  • To evaluate the diagnostic potential of these genes in distinguishing metastatic from non-metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC).

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analysis were used.
  • Gene and protein expression of NRAS, FGF1, NGF, and KDR were assessed.
  • Paired CRC, adjacent noncancerous, and CRLM tissues were analyzed from 30 patients.

Main Results:

  • NRAS, FGF1, and KDR mRNA and protein levels were significantly higher in CRLM tissues compared to primary CRC and adjacent noncancerous tissues (p < 0.05).
  • No significant difference in NRAS, FGF1, KDR, and NGF expression was observed between primary CRC and adjacent noncancerous tissues in non-metastatic patients (p > 0.05).
  • Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis indicated diagnostic accuracy for NRAS, FGF1, KDR, and FGF in discriminating metastatic from non-metastatic patients based on primary tumor analysis.

Conclusions:

  • The findings suggest that NRAS, FGF1, and KDR play a role in CRLM development.
  • These genes show potential as biomarkers for diagnosing metastasis in colorectal cancer.
  • Further functional studies on Rap1-related genes in CRLM are warranted to advance treatment and prevention strategies.
Keywords:
FGF1KDRNGFNRAScolorectal cancercolorectal cancer liver metastasis

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