American Journal of Pathology
American Journal of Pathology
5 years ago

Chorionic gonadotropin-β modulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition in colorectal carcinoma metastasis

Ectopic production of free beta human chorionic gonadotropin (hCGβ) has been associated with aggressive behavior in non-trophoblastic tumors. hCGβ shares common evolutionary sequences with transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ), which represents a major driving force of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). In this study, we examined the biological roles of hCGβ during EMT and its clinical significance in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression. Eighty CRC specimens and 54 preoperative serum samples were analyzed. hCGβ-overexpressing human CRC cell lines were examined for invasiveness and tumorigenicity, and the expression of EMT-associated genes was investigated. In human CRC, histologic hCGβ positivity (13/80, 16.3%) was lower than serologic hCGβ positivity (13/54, 24.1%). However, it was significantly correlated with several clinicopathological features and unfavorable outcome (P < 0.05). hCGβ-overexpressing cell lines had increased invasiveness, migratory ability, and metastatic potential in mice (P < 0.01). Western blot, PCR, and microarray analysis showed hCGβ altered expression of EMT-related genes, including E-cadherin, phospho-SMAD2, SNAIL, and TWIST. hCGβ-induced SNAIL and TWIST overexpression were reversible by type I and type II TGFβ receptor inhibitors (P < 0.05). hCGβ thus induces EMT via the TGFβ signaling pathway, and it may represent a molecular target in CRC treatment.

Publisher URL: www.sciencedirect.com/science

DOI: S0002944017304303

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