Characterization of the Subcellular Distribution of Phospho-β-catenin in Colorectal Cancer


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Uzun S., Isik A., KATİPOĞLU K., GÜNER G., AKYOL A.

In Vivo, vol.37, no.4, pp.1576-1583, 2023 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 37 Issue: 4
  • Publication Date: 2023
  • Doi Number: 10.21873/invivo.13242
  • Journal Name: In Vivo
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, EMBASE, MEDLINE
  • Page Numbers: pp.1576-1583
  • Keywords: colorectal cancer, phospho-β-catenin, Wnt, β-catenin
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Background/Aim: β-Catenin is a multifunctional protein, which is localized to different subcellular compartments of the normal colon epithelium. The hyperactivation of Wnt pathway results in the nuclear accumulation of β-catenin and induction of colorectal carcinogenesis. Although N-terminally hypo-phosphorylated β-catenin (active β-catenin) is known as the transcriptionally active form, phospho-S33/S37/T41-β- catenin (phospho-β-catenin) can also accumulate in the nucleus. In this study, we aimed to characterize the subcellular distribution of phospho-β-catenin and the other forms of β- catenin in normal colon epithelium and colorectal cancer (CRC). Materials and Methods: Phosphorylated, hypo-phosphorylated, and the total pool of β-catenin were evaluated in colon epithelium and CRC using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence staining, and western blotting. Tissue microarrays were used to determine the expression pattern of phospho-β- catenin in CRC samples. Results: Almost 11% (49/452) of CRCs expressed moderate to high levels of phospho-β-catenin in the nucleus. In addition, hypo-phosphorylated and phosphorylated forms of β-catenin localized to different subcellular regions in normal colon epithelium and CRC. Immunoblotting experiments suggested that truncated phospho-β-catenin forms can be found in CRCs. Conclusion: Phospho-β-catenin accumulates in the nucleus and different molecular weight β-catenin proteins are present in colon cancer cells. To elaborate on the functional significance of nuclear phospho-β-catenin, further studies should be performed.