The bone morphogenetic protein pathway in colorectal cancer progression

Author(s):
Voorneveld, P.W.
Published
2020
Publication type
Doctoral Thesis

Abstract

We set out the get a better understanding of the role of Bone Morphogenetic Protein

(BMP) signalling in normal intestine and in carcinogenesis. The BMP pathway is

known to be a major player in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). CRC is

one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the western world. Although survival and recurrence of CRC have improved, 5-year survival is low at only 65% (https://seer.cancer.gov – US data). Improving our understanding of the molecular pathways involved in CRC will potentially allow earlier detection, better prediction and personalized therapy. To briefly summarise the research we have done, we started by investigating the function of BMP in the normal intestine. We then went on to study the role of BMP signalling in carcinogenesis, mainly the role of non canonical BMP signalling in the development of metastasis. We ended with a focus on patients by explaining how we can improve estimation of prognosis using expression levels of several BMP components and how targeting the BMP pathway can be used for personalized treatment of patients.

BMPWntColorectal cancerStromaStatinsMetastasisCancer cellsSignalling pathways
Defense date
2020-09-24
Language
English
Supervisor(s)
Hardwick, J.C.H.
Advisor(s)
Kodach, L.L.
Committee member(s)
Verspaget, H.W.; Hommes, D.W.; Morreau, J.; Dijke, P. ten; Brink, G.R. van den; Peppelenbosch, M.P.; Krishnadath, K.K.
Qualification
Ph.D.
Degree granting institution
Faculty of Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden University, Leiden
hdl
1887/136915
ISBN(s)
9789402821277