AXIN2-associated adenomatous colorectal polyposis

Abstract: Introduction Most cases of colorectal cancer (CRC) occur sporadically; however, ~3% to 6% of all CRCs are related to inherited syndromes, such as Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). The adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) andmutY DNA glycosylase (MUTYH) germline mutations are the main genetic causes related to colorectal polyposis. Nevertheless, in many cases mutations in these genes have not been identified. The aim of the present case report is to describe a rare case of genetic colorectal polyposis associated with the axis inhibition protein 2 (AXIN2) gene. Case Report: The first colonoscopy screening of a 61-year-old male patient with no known family history of CRC revealed ~ 50 colorectal polyps. A histological evaluation of the resected polyps showed low-grade tubular adenomas. Germline genetic testing through a multigene panel for cancer predisposition syndromes revealed a pathogenic variant in the AXIN2 gene. In addition to colorectal polyposis, the patient had mild features of ectodermal dysplasia: hypodontia, scant body hair, and onychodystrophy. Discussion: The AXIN2 gene acts as a negative regulator of the Wnt/β -catenin signaling pathway, which participates in development processes and cellular homeostasis. Further studies are needed to support the surveillance recommendations for carriers of the AXIN2 pathogenic variant. (AU)

The destruction complex of beta-catenin in colorectal carcinoma and colonic adenoma / O complexo destruidor de betacatenina no carcinoma colorretal e no adenoma cólico

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the destruction complex of beta-catenin by the expression of the proteins beta-catetenin, adenomatous polyposis coli, GSK3β, axin and ubiquitin in colorectal carcinoma and colonic adenoma. Methods Tissue samples from 64 patients with colorectal carcinoma and 53 patients with colonic adenoma were analyzed. Tissue microarray blocks and slides were prepared and subjected to immunohistochemistry with polyclonal antibodies in carcinoma, adjacent non-neoplastic mucosa, and adenoma tissues. The immunoreactivity was evaluated by the percentage of positive stained cells and by the intensity assessed through of the stained grade of proteins in the cytoplasm and nucleus of cells. In the statistical analysis, the Spearman correlation coefficient, Student’s t, χ2, Mann-Whitney, and McNemar tests, and univariate logistic regression analysis were used. Results In colorectal carcinoma, the expressions of beta-catenin and adenomatous polyposis coli proteins were significantly higher than in colonic adenomas (p<0.001 and p<0.0001, respectively). The immunoreactivity of GSK3β, axin 1 and ubiquitin proteins was significantly higher (p=0.03, p=0.039 and p=0.03, respectively) in colorectal carcinoma than in the colonic adenoma and adjacent non-neoplastic mucosa. The immunohistochemistry staining of these proteins did not show significant differences with the clinical and pathological characteristics of colorectal cancer and colonic adenoma. Conclusions These results suggest that, in adenomas, the lower expression of the beta-catenin, axin 1 and GSK3β proteins indicated that the destruction complex of beta-catenin was maintained, while in colorectal carcinoma, the increased expression of beta-catenin, GSK3β, axin 1, and ubiquitin proteins indicated that the destruction complex of beta-catenin was disrupted.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar o complexo de destruição da betacatenina no carcinoma colorretal e no adenoma do colo pela expressão das proteínas betacatenina, adenomatous polyposis coli, GSK3β, axina e ubiquitina. Métodos Amostras de tecidos de 64 doentes com carcinoma colorretal e de 53 pacientes com adenoma do colo foram analisadas. Blocos de tecidos foram submetidos ao estudo imuno-histoquímico com anticorpos policlonais nos tecidos do carcinoma, mucosa não neoplásica adjacente e adenoma. A imunorreatividade foi avaliada pela porcentagem de positividade de células coradas e pela intensidade do grau de coloração das proteínas no citoplasma e no núcleo das células. Na análise estatística, foram utilizados o coeficiente de correlação de Spearman, os testes t de Student, χ2, Mann-Whitney e de McNemar, e a análise de regressão logística univariada. Resultados No carcinoma colorretal, as expressões da betacatenina e da adenomatous polyposis coli foram significativamente maiores do que em adenomas do colo (p<0,001 e p<0,0001, respectivamente). A imunorreatividade das proteínas GSK3β, axina 1 e ubiquitina foi significativamente maior (p=0,03, p=0,039 e p=0,03, respectivamente) no carcinoma colorretal do que no adenoma e na mucosa não neoplásica adjacente. A coloração imuno-histoquímica dessas proteínas não apresentou diferenças significantes em relação às características clinicopatológicas do câncer colorretal e do adenoma. Conclusões Em adenomas, as menores expressões de betacatenina, axina 1 e GSK3β indicaram que o complexo de destruição da betacatenina estava conservado, enquanto que, no carcinoma colorretal, o aumento das expressões da betacatenina, GSK3β, 1 axina, e ubiquitina indicaram que o complexo de destruição de betacatenina estava alterado.

Akt is involved in the inhibition of cell proliferation by EGF

Axin is a negative regulator of the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway and is involved in the regulation of axis formation and proliferation. Involvement of Axin in the regulation of other signaling pathways is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the involvement of Akt in growth regulation by Axin in L929 fibroblasts stimulated by EGF. Akt activity was increased by EGF treatment and Ras activation, respectively. Both the EGF- and Ras-induced Akt activations were abolished by Axin induction, as revealed by both Western blot and immunocytochemical analyses. The proliferation and Akt activation induced by EGF were decreased by Axin induction, and the effects of EGF were abolished by treatment of an Akt-specific inhibitor. Therefore, Axin inhibits EGF-induced proliferation of L929 fibroblasts by blocking Akt activation.