Downregulation of Beclin 1 and impairment of autophagy in a small population of colorectal cancer.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Autophagy is a highly conserved mechanism for degradation and recycling of long-lived proteins and damaged organelle to maintain cell homeostasis. Deregulation of autophagy has been associated with tumorigenesis. Beclin 1 is an essential autophagy protein and its upregulation has been observed in most colorectal cancer tissues. However, there is a small population of colorectal cancers with downregulation of Beclin 1.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role autophagy plays in colorectal cancers with downregulation of Beclin 1.

Methods

LC3 protein, an autophagosome marker, was assessed by ICH and WB in colorectal cancers tissues. An anti-tumor effect of Beclin 1 was examined by introducing exogenous Beclin 1 in vitro. Colony formation assay

SUBMITTER: Chen Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3781302 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature