Organ morphogenesis proteins contribution in colorectal cancer

Introduction. Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks third in terms of incidence and second in terms of mortality. Transcription factors involved in embryogenesis and organ morphogenesis play an important role as both triggers and modulators of carcinogenesis. Their overactivity promotes cancer cell proliferation, migration, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and ultimately invasion. This study aimed to assess the expression of FOXA1, FOXP1, EZH2, and INI1 in colon cancer in relation to patient age, clinical outcome, and approved predictors. Material and methods. One hundred and thirteen patients with stage II–IV CRC who underwent surgery between 2005–2011 were included in the study. All relevant clinical data were tabularized and immunohistochemical analyses were performed for FOXA1, FOXP1, EZH2, and INI1. Results. According to the patients’ age a higher incidence of FOXA1 expression was observed (p = 0.01), and the coexistence of FOXA1/FOXP1 (p = 0.027) in people over 55 years of age. The Cox regression model did not reveal FOXA/FOXP expression as a predictor of overall survival (OS) (p > 0.05). Observations confirmed the well-documented value of TNM (HR = 0.02; p = 0.001) and patient age for prognosis (HR = 0.44; p = 0.01). A statistically significant relationship was found between the coexistence of certain factors: FOXA1 and FOXP1 (OR = 17.90; p = 0.000), and INI1 (OR = 3.90; p = 0.002). Conclusions. All proteins studied contribute to CRC.