Notch Gene Receptors Linked to Increased Risk of Colorectal Cancer

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Researchers at the Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (GIPMER) in New Delhi, India, have investigated the role of Notch gene receptors in colorectal cancer (CRC) development. The study, published in Scientific Reports, found that polymorphisms in Notch1, Notch2, Notch3, and Notch4 genes are associated with an increased risk of CRC and poor survival rates. The researchers used a combination of genetic and protein expression analysis to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying CRC development.

Key Takeaways:

  • The incidence of colorectal cancer is increasing across the world, especially in younger age groups and the Indian subcontinent.
  • Polymorphisms in Notch1, Notch2, Notch3, and Notch4 genes are associated with an increased risk of CRC.
  • Notch3 polymorphism is associated with increased protein expression and a higher risk of having CRC.
  • Patients carrying the 'G' allele in Notch3 have an increased risk of having CRC (OR = 1.697, CI 95%: 1.001-2.873, p = 0.049) and a lower survival rate.
  • Notch4 polymorphism is associated with tumor grade and survival rates.
  • The CT and TT genotypes in Notch4 had lower survival rates than the CC genotype (p = 0.08).
  • Notch receptor polymorphism, especially Notch3, is associated with increased protein expression and a higher risk of having CRC.
  • Poor survival in patients with Notch3 and Notch4 polymorphism suggests their potential as prognostic biomarkers in CRC.

Statistics:

  • The incidence of colorectal cancer is increasing across the world, especially in younger age groups and the Indian subcontinent.
  • The frequency of CT genotype in Notch1 was significantly lower in CRC patients compared to healthy controls (40.77% vs 62.14%; p = 0.009).
  • Notch3 polymorphism A G showed significant association with the advanced TNM stage (p = 0.013).
  • The patients carrying the 'G' allele in Notch3 had an increased risk of having CRC (OR = 1.697, CI 95%: 1.001-2.873, p = 0.049) and a lower survival rate.

Sources:

  • Role of Notch gene receptors as prognostic biomarkers in colorectal cancer. Scientific Reports, 2025;15(1):33782. Nature Publishing Group - www.nature.com/; Scientific Reports - www.nature.com/srep/
  • Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (GIPMER), New Delhi, India.
  • Nature Portfolio, Heidelberger Platz 3, Berlin, 14197, Germany.