Enhanced expression of metastasis-associated genes in colorectal cancer

Introduction: Globally, colorectal cancer (CRC) continues to be a major cause of cancer-related morbidity and death, with metastasis—particularly to the liver—significantly worsening patient outcomes. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of key epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) transcription factors (Snail family transcriptional repressor 1 [SNAI1], zinc finger e-box binding homeobox 1 [ZEB1], Slug, Twist, and metastasis-associated protein 3 [MTA3]) and the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in CRC cases with and without metastasis to the liver. Methods: A total of 41 CRC patients (20 non-metastatic, 21 with liver metastasis) from Dr. Sardjito General Hospital, Yogyakarta, were examined utilizing reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction of the adjacent normal tissues and the tumors. Results: SNAI1, ZEB1, Slug, Twist, and TNF-α were significantly upregulated in metastatic CRC, while MTA3 was downregulated. Expression of these markers correlated with body mass index, liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase), and cancer stage. Conclusion: These findings highlight the central role of EMT-related transcription factors and inflammatory signaling in CRC metastasis and suggest that targeting these pathways could offer novel therapeutic strategies for metastatic CRC.