Analysis of SOX9 expression in colorectal cancer

Abstract

Our purpose was to investigate the role of SOX9, a novel downstream molecule of β-catenin, in colorectal cancer. Expression of SOX9 and β-catenin was detected by immunostaining, quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR), and Western blot in colorectal cancer. The correlation between SOX9 or β-catenin expression and clinicopathologic parameters was also analyzed. Immunostaining, Q-PCR, and Western blot consistently confirmed SOX9 up-regulation in colorectal cancer compared with normal mucosa (P < .05). Immunostaining showed more SOX9+ cells in the lower zone of colonic crypts than in the upper zone (P < .05). The detection of SOX9 expression might contribute to predicting clinical outcomes for patients with colorectal cancer. © American Society for Clinical Pathology.