KRAS, IGF2bp2 Genes Elevated in Positively Stained CDX2 and CK20 Colon Adenocarcinoma Tissues

Abstract

Introduction: Colon cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide, ranking third in incidence and second in cancer-related deaths. This study aimed to evaluate the histological and molecular changes associated with colon cancer, focusing on molecular markers related to chemotherapy resistance.

Materials and Methods: The study included 60 paraffin-embedded tissue samples from patients histologically diagnosed with colon adenocarcinoma, as well as 10 normal tissue samples as controls. All samples underwent routine histological examination using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining to assess the overall histological structure, and Giemsa staining was used to examine nuclear changes in cancer cells. Immunohistochemical (IHC) assays using CDX2 and CK20 markers were performed to confirm the colonic origin of the tumors. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was also used to assess the gene expression levels of KRAS and IGF2BP2.

Results: The results showed clear histological changes in the affected colon and rectal tissues, characterized by glandular distortion and increased cellular irregularity, along with nuclear clumping in cancer cells compared to control samples. The study also demonstrated a strong positive immunoreactivity for both CDX2 and CK20, the signature immunophenotype of colon cancer.

Conclusion: Furthermore, a significant increase in the gene expression levels of KRAS and IGF2BP2 was observed, suggesting their potential role in tumor progression and their association with chemotherapy resistance mechanisms.