title: The role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors in the esophageal, gastric, and colorectal cancer.
abstract: Tumors of the gastrointestinal tract are among the most frequent human malignancies and account for approximately 30% of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are ligand-activated transcription factors that control diverse cellular functions such as proliferation, differentiation, and cell death. Owing to their involvement in so many processes, they play crucial roles also in the development and physiology of the gastrointestinal tract. Consistently, PPARs deregulation has been implicated in several pathophysiological conditions, including chronic inflammation and cancer development. This paper summarizes the current knowledge on the role that the various PPAR isoforms play in the pathogenesis of the esophageal, gastric, and intestinal cancer. Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying PPARs' signaling pathways will provide insights into their possible use as predictive biomarkers in the initial stages of the process. In addition, this understanding will provide the basis for new molecular targets in cancer therapy and chemoprevention.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Sannio, 82100 Benevento, Italy.
authors.forename: Alessandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fucci
authors.forename: Tommaso
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Colangelo
authors.forename: Carolina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Votino
authors.forename: Massimo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pancione
authors.forename: Lina
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Sabatino
authors.forename: Vittorio
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Colantuoni