Runt-related Transcription Factor 1 (RUNX1T1) Suppresses Colorectal Cancer Cells Through Regulation of Cell Proliferation and Chemotherapeutic Drug Resistance.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Altered expression of runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1T1) has been observed in several human cancer types; however, the exact role for RUNX1T1 in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The GSE21510 CRC and our previously published datasets were utilized in this study. Gene-expression profiling was conducted using the Agilent microarray platform, while data normalization and bioinformatics were conducted using GeneSpring software. AlamarBlue assay was used to assess cell viability in vitro.

RESULTS

The expression of RUNX1T1 was severely down-regulated in primary CRC and cell lines. Lentiviral-mediated re-expression of RUNX1T1 inhibited CRC cell growth, and global gene-expression analysis revealed the cell cycle, DNA replication, and DNA damage as the pathways most affected by RUNX1T1. Forced expression of RUNX1T1 induced a significant reduction in cellular proliferation and sensitized CRC cells to 5-flurouracil.

CONCLUSION

Our data revealed a novel role for RUNX1T1 as a tumor-suppressor gene in CRC through modulation of multiple cellular pathways.