Overexpression of the ITGAV gene is associated with progression and spread of colorectal cancer

Abstract

Background/aim: The interaction of neoplastic cells with the extracellular matrix is a critical event for the initiation of cancer invasion and metastasis. We evaluated the relationship between the expression of SPARC, ITGAV, THBS1 and VCAM-1 genes of extracellular matrix in the progression and dissemination of colorectal cancer (CRC).

Patients and methods: Adult patients (N=114) underwent resection of CRC. Gene expression in CRC was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Protein expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Correlation with pathway-related molecules (p53, Bcl-2, Ki-67, EGFR and VEGF) was assessed.

Results: Tumors with perineural invasion showed overexpression (p=0.028) of the ITGAV gene with regard to cancers without perineural invasion and validation of the result through IHC expression of the corresponding proteins, was significant for the expression of ITGAV protein (p=0.001).

Conclusion: The overexpression of ITGAV gene was associated with higher progression and spread of CRC via perineural invasion.

Keywords: Biological markers; colorectal neoplasms; extracellular matrix; gene expression; tumor markers.