The research addresses the long-recognized poor prognosis of relatively undifferentiated cancers, suggesting that selection against differentiation and in favour of uncontrolled growth is a powerful driver of cancer progression. Goblet cells, which provide the mucous surface of the gut, are a crucial focus of this study. When present in colorectal cancers, these cancers are termed mucinous.
Key findings from the study include:
- Nearly 80 CRC-derived cell lines are classified into five categories based on the levels of MUC2 (the main mucous product of goblet cells) and TFF3 (an associated gene product).
- Identification of five distinct patterns of MUC2 and TFF3 expression, which can be easily identified in tumour specimens, allowing for a finer characterisation of CRCs concerning goblet cell differentiation.
- It was discovered that approximately 30% of all CRCs express TFF3 but not MUC2, a previously unrecognised subgroup.
- Highlighting the role of LGR5 in controlling differentiation rather than direct control of cell growth, challenging previous assumptions.