Role of Prolactin and Its Receptor in Colorectal Cancer

Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer related deaths in the USA. Worldwide, up to 5 % of all reported cancer cases are due to CRC, with ∼60 % occurring in industrially developed or developing countries. Environmental factors ranging from changing dietary habits to environmental toxins are associated with the development of CRC. Germline mutations in APC, TP53, and DNA mismatch repair genes contribute to nearly 35 % of the registered CRC cases and are by far the best-studied factors for CRC. Hormones are critical regulatory factors produced by the body to regulate diverse physiological activities. Prolactin (PRL) is a polypeptide hormone, which is expressed in most mammalian species. In humans, PRL binds to PRL receptor (PRLR) and induces the JAK-STAT or JAK-STAT-ERK pathways. Studies from several groups over the last few decades have shown that PRL can regulate a spectrum of functions ranging from behavior to immune responses to tumorigenesis. Epidemiological studies related to cancer especially breast or prostrate have linked the role of PRL or receptor in the causation of tumor progression. This review sheds a brief overview about PRL or receptor role in colorectal tumorigenesis.
Source: Current Colorectal Cancer Reports - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research