Expression of Notch-signaling pathway in familial adenomatous polyposis and its clinical significance.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the relationship between Notch-signaling pathway and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) through the expressions of Notch-1, DLL-1, and p-mTOR, and to explore its correlation with tumorigenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS The expressions of Notch1, DLL-1, and p-mTOR were detected in 21 cases of FAP polyps, 20 cases of colorectal inflammatory polyp, and 20 cases of poorly differentiated colorectal cancer by Western blotting and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The protein and mRNA expressions of these genes were then compared among the FAP group, colorectal adenoma group, and colorectal cancer group. RESULTS The protein and mRNA expressions of Notch-1, DLL-1, and p-mTOR in the FAP group were significantly higher than those in colorectal adenoma group; furthermore, they were significantly higher in the colorectal cancer group (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Notch signaling is activated in FAP. The activated Notch-signaling pathway may play an important role in the malignant transformation and tumorigenesis.