PROX1 Promotes Metabolic Adaptation and Fuels Outgrowth of Wnthigh Metastatic Colon Cancer Cells
Abnormal Wnt pathway activation is involved in the initiation of most colorectal cancers; however, little is known about its contribution to metastatic outgrowth. Ragusa et al. report that the Wnt target transcription factor PROX1 is produced in a subpopulation of colon cancer stem/progenitor cells and orchestrates the transcriptional network responsible for autophagy-dependent survival of metastases. Inactivation of PROX1 or PROX1-associated pathways prevents expansion of macrometastases and may provide new targets for therapeutic intervention in Wnthigh colorectal cancer.
Ragusa S., Cell Reports, 2014
