Transcription factor PDX-1 in human colorectal adenocarcinoma: a potential tumor marker?
OBJECTIVE
To examine the expression of pancreatic duodenal homeobox-1 (PDX-1) transcription factor in human colorectal cancer.


METHODS
RT-PCR, Western blotting, and immuno-histochemistry were performed to determine the expression pattern of transcription factor PDX-1 in primary colorectal tumor, hepatic metastasis, and benign colon tissue from a single patient.


RESULTS
The highest PDX-1 transcription levels were detected in the metastasis material. Lower levels of PDX-1 were found to be present in the primary tumor, while normal colon tissue failed to express detectable levels of PDX-1. Western blot data revealed a PDX-1 expression pattern identical to that of mRNA expression. Immunohistochemistry confirmed high metastasis PDX-1 expression, lower levels in the primary tumor, and the presence of only traces of PDX-1 in normal colon tissue.


CONCLUSIONS
These data argue for further evaluation of PDX-1 as a biomarker for colorectal cancer.
The Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Nikiforos
N
Ballian
Shi-He
SH
Liu
Francis-Charles
FC
Brunicardi
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics / Q000556:secondary / Q000628:therapy; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis* / Q000235:genetics; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D003082:Colectomy; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins / Q000032:analysis* / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics / Q000556:secondary / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D015534:Trans-Activators / Q000032:analysis* / Q000235:genetics
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D015534:Trans-Activators; C084010:pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 protein