Expression of Wnt genes in human colon cancers

A polymerase chain reaction-based approach was used to study the expression of Wnt genes in human colon carcinoma tissue and normal colon mucosa. In a number of cases Wnts 2, 4, 5a, 6 and/or 7a were found to be more highly ex pressed in colon carcinoma tissue compared to surrounding normal-appealing mucosa from the same patients. Wnts 4, 5a, 6 and 7a, but not 2, were also f ound to be expressed in colon cancer cell lines. The increased levels of ex pression of these Wnt genes in tumor tissue may indicate their possible inv olvement in human colon tumorigenesis. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Lt d. All rights reserved.