Universidad de Murcia. Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología
Abstract
Tight junction proteins are essential for
sealing the cellular sheets and controlling para-cellular
ion flux. Our understanding of the role that tight junction
proteins, particularly claudins, play in cellular functions
and pathologic conditions is continuously expanding.
Particularly, the role of claudin-1 in oncogenesis in
multiple locations in the human body is coming to light.
This review will shed light on the role of claudin-1 in
colon cancer. It will address the mechanisms through
which claudin-1 becomes dysregulated in colon cancer.
This will provide a platform to address results of
claudin-1 expression in the third most common
malignant tumour worldwide. Furthermore, it will
provide updates about possible use of this biomarker in
the surveillance of difficult colon maladies, such as
inflammatory bowel disease. The use of claudin-1 as a
biomarker of diagnostic and prognostic values will
provide Medicine with much needed ammunition in the
fight against cancer and will bring about, with added
refinements, a new chapter in the era of personalized
medicine to tackle this disease and match its destructive
course with equally powerful and specifically targeted
therapies