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

ABSTRACT:

Background and study aims

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.

Methods

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 col

SUBMITTER: Choi JW 

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

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature