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Colorectal Cancer: Molecular and Cellular Basis

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Oncology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 November 2025 | Viewed by 639

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Medical Genetics, National Institute of Gastroenterology—IRCCS “Saverio de Bellis” Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy
Interests: colorectal cancer

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide, with a complex interplay of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors driving its initiation and progression. Despite significant advances in diagnosis and treatment, colorectal cancer remains a formidable challenge in oncology, underscoring the urgent need for a deeper understanding of its molecular and cellular underpinnings. This Special Issue, “Colorectal Cancer: Molecular and Cellular Basis”, brings together cutting-edge research and reviews that explore the mechanisms governing tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and resistance to therapy. By presenting novel insights and state-of-the-art research, this collection aspires to enhance our understanding of colorectal cancer at the molecular and cellular levels, paving the way for innovative strategies in diagnosis, management, and therapy. Through collaboration and knowledge-sharing, this issue seeks to support the ongoing fight against colorectal cancer.

We are pleased to invite you to contribute to our Special Issue in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, entitled “Colorectal Cancer: Molecular and Cellular Basis”. We encourage you to submit original articles or reviews that provide an overview of current knowledge regarding the molecular network of colorectal cancer, including cellular signaling pathways involved in CRC initiation, progression, and metastasis. We also encourage submissions exploring potential strategies for the treatment of colorectal cancer.

Dr. Martina Lepore Signorile
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • colorectal cancer
  • molecular and cellular biology
  • tumor initiation
  • tumor progression
  • metastasis

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

25 pages, 3119 KB  
Article
Inorganic Polyphosphate Triggers NLRP3 Inflammasome and Promotes the Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition and Migration of Colorectal Cancer Cells Through TRPM8 Receptor
by Valentina Arrè, Maria Principia Scavo, Rossella Donghia, Francesco Dituri, Camilla Mandorino, Marco Cassotta, Anna Ancona, Francesco Balestra, Leonardo Vincenti, Fabrizio Aquilino, Giuseppe Pettinato, Gianluigi Giannelli and Roberto Negro
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(16), 7743; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26167743 - 11 Aug 2025
Viewed by 464
Abstract
Inorganic polyphosphate (iPolyP) is a ubiquitous molecule composed of a variable number of orthophosphate units. Recent studies have highlighted its involvement in colorectal cancer (CRC) cell proliferation. However, further investigations are needed to elucidate its role in CRC cell progression and migration, as [...] Read more.
Inorganic polyphosphate (iPolyP) is a ubiquitous molecule composed of a variable number of orthophosphate units. Recent studies have highlighted its involvement in colorectal cancer (CRC) cell proliferation. However, further investigations are needed to elucidate its role in CRC cell progression and migration, as well as its influence on the tumor microenvironment. This study focuses on the inorganic polyphosphate (iPolyP)/transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 8 (TRPM8) axis and its impact on CRC progression. To investigate these issues, western blotting, fixed and live cells immunofluorescence, 2D and 3D cell culture on CRC-patient derived tissues, ELISA, and wound healing assays were performed. Our results show that inorganic polyphosphate induces the expression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers in CRC cells. Furthermore, the iPolyP/TRPM8 axis indirectly promotes tumor growth through activation of the Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, Leucine-rich Repeat and Pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in immune cells, leading to increased levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the tumor microenvironment (TME), thereby advancing CRC. These findings suggest that targeting the iPolyP/TRPM8 pathway may be a promising strategy to inhibit CRC progression and metastasis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Colorectal Cancer: Molecular and Cellular Basis)
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