Transcription factor PDX-1 in human colorectal adenocarcinoma:A potential tumor marker?

AIM: To examine the expression of pancreatic duodenal homeobox-1 (PDX-1) transcription factor in human colorectal cancer. METHODS: RT-PCR, Western blotting, and immuno-histochemistry were performed to determine the expression pattern of transcription factor PDX-1 in primary colorectal tumor, hepatic metastasis, and benign colon tissue from a single patient. RESULTS: The highest PDX-1 transcription levels were detected in the metastasis material. Lower levels of PDX-1 were found to be present in the primary tumor, while normal colon tissue failed to express detectable levels of PDX-1. Western blot data revealed a PDX-1 expression pattern identical to that of mRNA expression. Immunohistochemistry confirmed high metastasis PDX-1 expression, lower levels in the primary tumor, and the presence of only traces of PDX-1 in normal colon tissue. CONCLUSION: These data argue for further evaluation of PDX-1 as a biomarker for colorectal cancer.