Urothelium marker UPK2 identifies aggressive colorectal cancers with distinct molecular and histological features.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Uroplakin-2 (UPK2) is a relatively specific marker for urothelial cancer, often used in the differential diagnosis of tumors of unknown origin. UPK2 expression has been observed in colorectal cancers (CRCs), prompting further investigation.

Methods

UPK2 expression was analyzed in two independent CRC cohorts (N = 1851) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (N = 467). We investigated the histopathological, immunological, molecular, and clinical characteristics of UPK2-positive CRCs.

Results

UPK2 was expressed in 12% of CRCs and associated with adverse features including advanced stage, lymphovascular invasion, tumor budding, and micropapillary growth (p < 0.01). UPK2 positivity correlated with higher CRC-specific mortality in both cohorts (Cohort 1: HR 1.97, 95% CI 1.0

SUBMITTER: Aijala VK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12858874 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature