Targeting of LGR5 as colorectal cancer stem cell marker in colorectal cancer patients

Abstract

Background: Colorectal cancer ( CRC ) is a major public health problem worldwide, and it represents the third most frequent neoplasm among diagnosed cancers, as well as ranking second in the number of deceased patients for this type of tumor. Objective: This study investigates the Leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 5 (LGR5), which is a key component in the tumor stage-specific molecular network of CRC. Initially identified as a marker of normal intestinal stem cells, LGR5 has garnered significant attention for its potential roles in CRC tumorigenesis and chemotherapy resistance. This is attributed to its function as a WNT target gene. Methods: A total of 50 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks of new diagnosis and recurrence colorectal cancer were collected from the histology teaching lab at The Medical City Hospitals, Baghdad, Iraq. LGR5 expression was assessed through immunohistochemical staining of a tissue. Results: The evaluation showed that LGR5 was used as a marker to target cancer stem cells in colorectal cancer. Conclusion: LGR5 was over-expressed in the recurrence sample compared with low expression in the newly diagnosed sample.