Currently, cancer metastases remain a major clinical problem that highlights the importance of recognition of the metastatic process in cancer diagnosis and treatment. A critical process associated with the metastasis process is the transformation of epithelial cells toward the motile mesenchymal state, a process called epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT). Increasing evidence suggests the crucial role of the cytoskeleton in the EMT process. The cytoskeleton is composed of the actin cytoskeleton, the microtubule network and the intermediate filaments that provide structural design and mechanical strength that is necessary for the EMT. The dynamic reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton is a prerequisite for the morphology, migration and invasion of cancer cells. The microtubule network is the cytoskeleton that provides the driving force during cell migration. Intermediate filaments are significantly rearranged, typically switching from cytokeratin‑rich to vimentin‑rich networks during the EMT process, accompanied by a greatly enhanced cell motility capacity. In the present review, the recent novel insights into the different cytoskeleton underlying EMT are summarized. There are numerous advances in our understanding of the fundamental role of the cytoskeleton in cancer cell invasion and migration.

The present study aimed to identify microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles associated with brain metastases of colorectal cancers. We conducted miRNA expression profiling of 3 primary colorectal cancers and 3 brain-metastatic carcinomas using Agilent Human miRNA Microarrays. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was employed to validate the results obtained from the miRNA microarray analysis. Overexpression of miR-145, miR-1, miR-146a, miR-576-5p, miR-126*, HS287, miR-28-5p, miR-143, miR-199b-5p, miR-199a-5p, miR-10b, miR-22, miR-133b, miR-145*, miR-199a, miR-133a, miR-125b and downregulation of miR-31 and HS170 were observed in brain-metastatic carcinomas. Quantitative RT-PCR experiments with miR-125b confirmed the expression patterns we found in our microarray experiments. miRNAs are differentially expressed between colorectal cancers and matched brain-metastatic carcinomas. The miRNA variation trend is quite different in the process of metastasis compared to that of carcinogenesis. These miRNAs may therefore serve as potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for colorectal cancers with brain metastases.

Aim: The T cell receptor–CD3 complex has shown great potential in tumor therapy. However, there is currently no research on CD3D in tumors. Materials & methods: Correlation between CD3D expression ...

Background/Aims: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide, and microRNAs play a crucial role in CRC biology. The purpose of this study was to investigate the exact functions and potential mechanisms of action of miR-301a in CRC. Methods: Quantitative real-time PCR was conducted to assess the expression of miR-301a. Cell proliferation was detected using MTT and colony formation assay, and cell invasion and migration were evaluated using Transwell assay. Luciferase reporter assay was used to identify the direct regulation of suppressor of cytokine signaling 6 (SOCS6) by miR-301a. Results: We first confirmed the upregulation of miR-301a in CRC tissues and cell lines. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function studies in the human CRC cell lines, SW480 and SW620, showed that miR-301a acts as an oncogene by increasing cell proliferation, migration and invasion as well as tumor growth. Furthermore, SOCS6 was identified as a target gene of miR-301a. Reintroduction of SOCS6 partially abrogated miR-301a-induced cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Conclusion: These data suggest that miR-301a promotes CRC progression by directly downregulating SOCS6 expression, and miR-301a may represent a novel biomarker for the prevention and treatment of CRC.

Locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC) is defined as an intrapelvic recurrence following a primary rectal cancer resection, with or without distal metastasis. The treatment of LRRC remains a clinical challenge. LRRC has been regarded as an incurable disease state leading to a poor quality of life and a limited survival time. However, curative reoperations have proved beneficial for treating LRRC. A complete resection of recurrent tumors (R0 resection) allows the treatment to be curative rather than palliative, which is a milestone in medicine. In LRRC cases, the difficulty of achieving an R0 resection is associated with the post‑operative prognosis and is affected by several clinical factors, including the staging of the local recurrence (LR), accompanying symptoms, patterns of tumors and combined therapy. The risk factors following primary surgery that lead to an increased rate of LR are summarized in this study, including the surgical, pathological and therapeutic factors.