The bone morphogenetic protein pathway is active in human colon adenomas and inactivated in colorectal cancer

  • Liudmila L. Kodach
  • , Sylvia A. Bleuming
  • , Alex R. Musler
  • , Maikel P. Peppelenbosch
  • , Daniel W. Hommes
  • , Gijs R. Van Den Brink
  • , Carel J.M. Van Noesel
  • , G. Johan A. Offerhaus
  • , James C.H. Hardwick*
  • *Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

69 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) is important in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), a subgroup within the TGFβ superfamily, recently also have been implicated in CRC, but their precise role in CRC has yet to be investigated. 

METHODS. 

The authors used a tissue microarray and immunohistochemistry of BMP receptors and signal transduction elements in adenomas and CRC specimens to elucidate the role of BMP signaling in CRC carcinogenesis. 

RESULTS:

The adenoma specimens expressed all 3 BMP receptors (BMPRs) (BMPR type 1a [BMPR1a], BMPR1b, and BMPR2) and expressed SMAD family member 4 (SMAD4); and 20 of 22 adenomas (90.9%) exhibited active BMP signaling, as determined by nuclear phosphorylated SMAD 1,5,8 (pSMAD1,5,8) expression. In contrast, pSMAD1,5,8 nuclear staining was present in 5 CRC specimens (22.7%) but was lost in 17 CRC specimens (77.3%; cancer vs adenoma; P <. 0001). The earliest loss of pSMAD1,5,8 nuclear staining was detected in regions of high-grade dysplasia/carcinoma in situ within adenomas. CRCs showed frequent loss of BMPR2 (P < .0001) and SMAD4 (P < .01) compared with adenomas. Negative expression of BMPR2 was observed more frequently in earlier stage cancers (Dukes stage B) than in advanced cancers (Dukes stage C; P < .05). 

CONCLUSIONS:

Taken together, the current results indicated that loss of BMP signaling correlates tightly with progression of adenomas to cancer and occurs relatively early during cancer progression.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)300-306
Number of pages7
JournalCancer
Volume112
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Jan 2008
Externally publishedYes

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