Reciprocal relationship between expression of hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and the pro-apoptotic protein Bid in ex vivo colorectal cancer
2008

HIF-1α and Bid in Colorectal Cancer

Sample size: 39 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Seenath M M, Roberts D, Cawthorne C, Saunders M P, Armstrong G R, O'Dwyer S T, Stratford I J, Dive C, Renehan A G

Primary Institution: Christie Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK

Hypothesis

HIF-1α represses bid transcription leading to reduced Bid expression in ex vivo colorectal cancer.

Conclusion

The study found that high levels of HIF-1α are associated with reduced expression of Bid in colorectal cancer tissues.

Supporting Evidence

  • HIF-1α expression was present in all adenocarcinomas but varied within tumors.
  • High HIF-1α levels correlated with low Bid expression.
  • The study used robust staining controls and validated the paired same area serial analysis.

Takeaway

In colorectal cancer, when there's a lot of a protein called HIF-1α, another protein called Bid doesn't work as well, which might make it harder for cancer cells to die.

Methodology

The study used immunohistochemistry to assess HIF-1α and Bid expression in serial sections of colorectal adenocarcinomas.

Limitations

The study's findings may be influenced by the genetic heterogeneity of human tumors and the lack of a native stromal microenvironment in xenograft models.

Participant Demographics

Patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma from Manchester, UK.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.04

Confidence Interval

95% CI: 0.67–0.88

Statistical Significance

p=0.04

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6604474

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