Intestinal epithelial SNAI1 promotes the occurrence of colorectal cancer by enhancing EMT and Wnt/ β-catenin signaling

In this study, colitis and c olitis-associated CRC were induced through the use of intestinal epithelium-specificSnai1 knockout (Snai1 cKO) mice. Our findings indicate thatSnai1 cKO mice exhibit a reduced susceptibility to acute colitis and colitis-associated CRC compared to control mice. Western-blot analysis of colon tissues revealed thatSnai1 cKO mice exhibited a higher overall apoptosis level during tumor formation than control mice. No significant differences were observed in the activation of the classical p53 signaling pathway. However,Snai1 cKO mice exhibited weakened EMT and Wnt/ β-catenin pathway activation. In summary, our study has provided evidence in vivo that the intestinal epithelial SNAI1 protein suppresses apoptosis, amplifies the EMT, and activates the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways in both early and late phases of CRC formation, thus promoting the development and progression of colitis-associated CRC.
Source: Medical Oncology - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research