INTESTINAL CANCERS & DISEASES Clinical Significance of SNORA42 as an Oncogene and a Prognostic Biomarker in Colorectal Cancer Scientists systematically evaluated dysregulation of small nucleolar RNAs in colorectal cancer (CRC) and clarified their biomarker potential and biological significance in CRC. [Gut] Abstract | Press Release Preserved Genetic Diversity in Organoids Cultured from Biopsies of Human Colorectal Cancer Metastases Tumor biopsies were obtained from 14 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer to test the feasibility of organoid culture from metastatic biopsy specimens and to compare the genetic diversity of patient-derived tumor organoids and the original tumor biopsy. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract SPROUTY-2 Represses the Epithelial Phenotype of Colon Carcinoma Cells via Upregulation of ZEB1 Mediated by ETS1 and miR-200/miR-150 Researchers have dissected SPROUTY-2 (SPRY2) action in human colon cancer. Global transcriptomic analyses show that SPRY2 downregulates genes encoding tight junction proteins such as claudin-7 and occludin and other cell-to-cell and cell-to-matrix adhesion molecules in human SW480-ADH colon carcinoma cells. [Oncogene] Abstract JRK Is a Positive Regulator of β-Catenin Transcriptional Activity Commonly Overexpressed in Colon, Breast and Ovarian Cancer Scientists interrogated a highly validated genomic screen and the largest repository of cancer genomics data and identified JRK as a potential new oncogene and therapeutic target of the β-catenin pathway. They then validated the oncogenic role of JRK in colon cancer cells and primary tumors. [Oncogene] Abstract Antitumor Activity of a Potent MEK Inhibitor, TAK-733, against Colorectal Cancer Cell Lines and Patient Derived Xenografts In a preclinical study of TAK-733, a panel of CRC cell lines were exposed to varying concentrations of the agent for 72 hours followed by a sulforhodamine B assay. The MEK inhibitor TAK-733 demonstrated robust antitumor activity against CRC cell lines and patient-derived tumor explants. [Oncotarget] Full Article | Press Release Assessment of a HER2 Scoring System for Colorectal Cancer: Results from a Validation Study The authors sought to develop criteria for ERBB2-positivity (HER2) in colorectal cancer to ensure accurate identification of ERBB2-amplified metastatic colorectal cancer patients suitable for enrolment in a Phase II trial of ERBB2-targeted therapy. [Mod Pathol] Abstract Inhibition of Topoisomerase II by Phase II Metabolites of Resveratrol in Human Colon Cancer Cells The cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of phase II metabolites of resveratrol was investigated in human colon cells with special emphasis on human topoisomerase II. [Mol Nutr Food Res] Abstract Neuron Navigator 2 Overexpression Indicates Poor Prognosis of Colorectal Cancer and Promotes Invasion through the SSH1L/Cofilin-1 Pathway Scientists sought to understand the prognostic value of neuron navigator 2 (NAV2) expression in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and the potential pathway through which NAV2 promotes migration and invasion in CRC cell lines. [J Exp Clin Cancer Res] Full Article Butyrate Inhibits Pro-Proliferative miR-92a by Diminishing c-Myc-Induced miR-17-92a Cluster Transcription in Human Colon Cancer Cells Previous reports indicate these actions are mediated in part by altered levels of miRNAs, including suppressed expression of the oncogenic miR-17-92a cluster. Investigators sought to identify the mechanisms underlying these effects of butyrate in colon cancer. [Mol Cancer] Full Article INTESTINAL STEM CELL & ORGANOID RESEARCH Evidence of Absorptive Function In Vivo in a Neo-Formed Bio-Artificial Intestinal Segment Using a Rodent Model A previously developed neo-formed bio-artificial intestinal segment (BIS) was constructed with the intervention of naïve stem cells that repopulated the scaffold in vivo, and over a period of time, were transformed in different cell populations typical of normal intestinal mucosa. Here, scientists aimed to demonstrate that the BIS generated has functional absorptive capacity. [J Gastrointest Surg] Abstract Generation of Tissue-Engineered Small Intestine Using Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Human Intestinal Organoids Scientists investigated the ability of human embryonic stem cells or human intestinal organoids to populate acellular porcine intestinal matrices and artificial polyglycolic/poly L lactic acid scaffolds, and examined the ability of matrix/scaffolds to thrive when transplanted in vivo. [Biol Open] Full Article |