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Published on: July 18, 2017
CD44 Translocates in the Nucleus of Tumor Cells in a Colitis-associated Colorectal Cancer Mouse Model
Hayato Suzuki1, Hiroaki Okuda2,3, Hiroto Saito1
1Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan.
Background/Aim:
Cluster of differentiation (CD) 44 is a primary surface marker of cancer stem cells present in colorectal cancer (CRC); however, the role of CD44 expression in CRC prognosis remains elusive. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the association between CD44 localization and tumor regions using a colitis-associated CRC mouse model.
Materials And Methods:
Herein, a mouse model of colitis-associated CRC was established via azoxymethane treatment, followed by dextran sulfate sodium.
Results:
Notably, the mice presented with a decrease in body weight, diarrhea, and bloody stools, along with shortening of the colon and tumor formation in the distal colon. CD44 immunostaining revealed its localization in the membranes of epithelial cells in the distal colon of control mice. However, in colitis-associated CRC models, CD44 was found to be localized in the nuclei of epithelial cells in the tumor region. Additionally, western blotting revealed an increase in CD44 expression in the nucleus of the distal colon in mice with colitis-associated CRC compared with that in the control mice.
Conclusion:
These findings suggest the potential association of nuclear translocation of CD44 with aggressive tumor behavior, tumor recurrence, and metastasis in CRCs.
