Potential new target for colon cancer

Researchers have demonstrated that a novel protein can cause normal cells in the lining of the colon to become malignant, grow and spread, as well as take on the characteristics of stem cells.

To study SATB2’s role in colorectal cancer, the researchers at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine and Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center forced the SATB2 gene to make extra copies of the SATB2 protein in normal cells.

The cells changed, displaying enhanced cell growth, motility, migration and invasion. Further analysis revealed markers and a master cell ability – the cells could produce any kind of cell needed just like other stem cells. They became cancer stem cells. The researchers also found these cells had a much greater ability to survive and proliferate.

“Since the SATB2 protein is highly expressed in the colorectal cell lines and tissues, it can be an attractive target for therapy, diagnosis and prognosis,” notes Dr Rakesh Srivastava, Professor of Genetics at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine and Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center.

“Importantly, SATB2 is present not only in colon cancer but in other cancers as well,” adds Dr Sharmila Shankar, Associate Professor of Genetics at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine and Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center.

Cancer stem cells are a small subset of immortal cells in tumours that are not only capable of renewing themselves, but also giving rise to other cells needed by the tumours to survive and grow.

When the researchers compared normal human colorectal epithelial cells and tissue with human colorectal cancer cell lines and primary colorectal tissues, they found that while SATB2 is not active in normal colorectal tissue, it is highly active in colorectal cancer cells.

The research has been published in Nature Research’s Scientific Reports