... Autophagy-related Protein LC3 in Egyptian Colorectal Cancer: Impact and Possible Relation to STAT3 andmiRNA 101..

Background: - Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common worldwide cancer and the fourth worldwide cause of cancer death. Autophagy has been highlighted as a promising molecular target in cancer. Its role in carcinogenesis is complex with a reported oncogenic or tumor suppressive role. Detecting LC3 has become a reliable method for monitoring autophagy. Signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) proteins are latent cytoplasmic transcription factors. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs which post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression. Aim:- To search for the expression of LC3, as a marker of autophagy, STAT3 and miRNA 101 as possible regulators of autophagy and/ or potential molecular prognostic targets in Egyptian CRC patients. Material and methods:- Twenty five CRC and 25 adjacent normal mucosa specimens were obtained. Immunohistochemical assessment of LC3 expression using anti-LC3 and assessment of STAT3 and microRNA 101 expressions by real time - RT - PCR were done. Results: - Revealed a statistically significant increase in LC3 (p<0.001) and STAT3 expression in tumor samples (6.31 ± 1.96 folds) than normal mucosa (p<0.001 each). Both of them were directly correlated together (r= 0.833, p <0.001). MicroRNA 101 was inversely correlated to both LC3 and STAT3 (p<0.001) and was significantly reduced in tumor samples (0.37 ± 0.16 folds) (p<0.001) with a possible correlations to tumor characteristics. Conclusion:- LC3, STAT3 and miRNA 101 may be valuable as biomarkers that may predict cancer colon poor prognosis. The critical role of STAT3 and miRNAs in autophagy would expand our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of autophagy regulation. - See more at: .