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The Molecular Basis of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

  • Basic Science Foundations in Colorectal Cancer (DA Dixon and KE Hamilton, Section Editors)
  • Published:
Current Colorectal Cancer Reports

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) is a vexing clinical problem. In contrast to early-stage disease, once CRC metastasizes to other organs, long-term survival is compromised. We seek to review the molecular pathogenesis, animal models, and functional genomics for an enhanced understanding of how CRC metastasizes and how this can be exploited therapeutically.

Recent Findings

Mouse models may recapitulate certain aspects of metastatic human CRC and allow for studies to identify regulators of metastasis. Modulation of transcription factors, onco-proteins, or tumor suppressors has been identified to activate known metastatic pathways. CD44 variants, microRNAs, and RNA binding proteins are emerging as metastatic modulators.

Summary

CRC metastasis is a multi-faceted and heterogeneous disease. Despite common pathways contributing to metastatic development, there are numerous variables that modulate metastatic signals in subsets of patients. It is paramount that studies continue to investigate metastatic drivers, enhancers, and inhibitors in CRC to develop therapeutic targets and improve disease outcomes.

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Acknowledgments

The authors were supported by the NIH/NIDDK P30DK050306, R01DK056645, AGA Research Scholar Award (SFA), HHMI Research Fellowship (KNW), Hansen Foundation, Lustgarten Family colon cancer grants, and the Penn Colon Cancer Translational Center of Excellence.

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  1. Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 9 BRB, 421 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA

    Sarah F. Andres, Kathy N. Williams & Anil K. Rustgi

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  1. Sarah F. Andres
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  2. Kathy N. Williams
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Correspondence to Sarah F. Andres.

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Sarah F. Andres, Kathy N. Williams, and Anil K. Rustgi declare they have no conflict of interest.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Basic Science Foundations in Colorectal Cancer

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Andres, S.F., Williams, K.N. & Rustgi, A.K. The Molecular Basis of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. Curr Colorectal Cancer Rep 14, 69–79 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11888-018-0403-z

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