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Proteomic landscape of colorectal cancer liver metastasis

  • 0Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian, China.
Translational Oncology +

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September 30, 2025

|

September 30, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Colorectal cancer liver metastasis involves P53-mediated hyperproliferation and metabolic changes. CEACAM6 protein expression decreases with metastatic progression, suggesting its potential as a diagnostic and therapeutic target for advanced colorectal cancer (CRC).

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Proteomics

Background

  • Colorectal cancer (CRC) liver metastasis is a significant cause of mortality.
  • The molecular mechanisms driving CRC metastasis remain poorly understood.
  • Metastasis exhibits intricate diversity, complicating treatment strategies.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate the molecular drivers of colorectal cancer liver metastasis heterogeneity.
  • To identify key proteins and pathways involved in metastatic progression.
  • To explore potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for metastatic CRC.

Main Methods

  • Comprehensive proteomic analysis of non-metastatic (NM), metachronous metastatic (MM), and synchronous metastatic (SM) colorectal cancer tissues.
  • Comparative analysis of protein expression profiles across different metastatic stages.
  • Investigation of signaling pathways and biological features associated with metastasis.

Main Results

  • P53-mediated hyperproliferation identified as an initiating factor in CRC.
  • Metabolic dysregulation is a hallmark of CRC liver metastasis.
  • Distinct molecular features observed: MM tumors showed suppressed ferroptosis and activated TGF-β signaling; SM tumors displayed inhibited anoikis, activated WNT signaling, and angiogenesis.
  • CEACAM6 protein expression showed a stepwise decrease from NM to MM to SM, indicating its role in metastatic progression.

Conclusions

  • Findings provide novel insights into the molecular complexities of colorectal cancer liver metastasis.
  • CEACAM6 is identified as a potential diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for metastatic CRC.
  • Understanding these molecular differences can inform new treatment strategies for advanced colorectal cancer.

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