In vivo imaging of Lgr5-positive cell populations using confocal laser endomicroscopy during early colon tumorigenesis.

ABSTRACT: A diagnostic molecular marker for pre-neoplastic lesions, particularly before polyposis, is still lacking. Lgr5 has been broadly accepted as a marker for intestinal cancer stem cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the monitoring of Lgr5(?+?) cells as a useful tool for the early diagnosis of premalignant lesions before polyp formation.In vivo molecular imaging was performed to examine colon tumorigenesis in Lgr5-EGFP mice treated with azoxymethane and dextran sodium sulfate. eGFP(?+) Lgr5(?+) regions in the descending colon were longitudinally monitored using side-view confocal endomicroscopy. Based on the eGFP signal intensity on the luminal surface, polyps were classified into two groups - Lgr5-high and Lgr5-low. White light colonoscopy was used to monitor polyp formation.Approximately 75?% of the polyps originated from foci containing Lgr5-eGFP(?+) cells, whereas 25?% of the polyps emerged from Lgr5(?-) foci. Among eGFP(?+) foci, Lgr5-high foci grew faster than Lgr5-low foci.Polyps developed at Lgr5(?+) regions. Luminal Lgr5 expression was correlated with the growth rate of early-stage adenomas. Lgr5 is a promising molecular marker for the early diagnosis of colon tumors.

SUBMITTER: Choi JW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4403755 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature