e14669 Background: The Scratch genes constitute an independent subgroup of the Snail superfamily of transcription factors (TFs). Vertebrates contain 2 Snail and 2 Scratch genes (Scrt1 and Scrt2). Members of the Snail/Scratch superfamilies are characterized by a having both zinc finger domains, which mediate DNA-binding and a SNAG domain that is necessary for the transcriptional repression. Under normal conditions, the Scratch genes are expressed exclusively in the nervous system, where they regulate cortical neurogenesis (Paul, Tonchev, et al. Cerebral Cortex 2012, Epub ahead of print; doi: 10.1093/cercor/bhs356). However, expression of Scrt2 under pathological conditions is poorly characterized, especially in humans. Methods: We investigated the expression of Scrt2 by immunohistochemistry in 50 primary or metastatic (hepatic metastasis) colorectal cancer biopsies acquired through routine operations at the Department of General Surgery, Medical University-Varna, Bulgaria. We also evaluated the histological type and clinical stage of the tumors. Results: We found that both the primary and the metastatic tumor strongly expressed Scrt2 protein. Interestingly, the expression was mostly in the cytoplasm, in accordance with the reported pattern in the developing cortex (Paul, Tonchev, et al. Cerebral Cortex 2012, Epub ahead of print; doi: 10.1093/cercor/bhs356). Notably, in the hepatic metastatic tumors, we found no or scarce expression in the normal hepatic parenchyma surrounding the tumor, while a strong expression in the colorectal cancer metastasis. Conclusions: Scrt2 represents a putative novel marker for colorectal cancer. Detailed correlation of the clinical parameters, such as patient survival, and the expression level of Scrt2 might yield novel prognostic value of this TF in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer.
Impact of Colon-Specific DNA Methylation-Regulated Gene Modules on Colorectal Cancer Patient Survival