Guanylate cyclase C as a target for prevention, detection, and therapy in colorectal cancer.

Authors

Allison A. Aka, Thoams Jefferson UniversityFollow
Jeff A. Rappaport, Thomas Jefferson UniversityFollow
Amanda M. Pattison, Thomas Jefferson UniversityFollow
Takami Sato, Thomas Jefferson UniversityFollow
Adam E. Snook, Thomas Jefferson UniversityFollow
Scott A. Waldman, Thomas Jefferson UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-4-2017

Comments

This article has been peer reviewed. It is the authors' final version prior to publication in Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology

Volume 10, Issue 5, May 2017, Pages 549-557.

The published version is available at DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2017.1292124 Copyright © Taylor and Francis

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, and new strategies to prevent, detect, and treat the disease are needed. The receptor, guanylate cyclase C (GUCY2C), a tumor suppressor expressed by the intestinal epithelium, has emerged as a promising target. Areas covered: This review outlines the role of GUCY2C in tumorigenesis, and steps to translate GUCY2C-targeting schemes to the clinic. Endogenous GUCY2C-activating ligands disappear early in tumorigenesis, silencing its signaling axis and enabling transformation. Pre-clinical models support GUCY2C ligand supplementation as a novel disease prevention paradigm. With the recent FDA approval of the GUCY2C ligand, linaclotide, and two more synthetic ligands in the pipeline, this strategy can be tested in human trials. In addition to primary tumor prevention, we also review immunotherapies targeting GUCY2C expressed by metastatic lesions, and platforms using GUCY2C as a biomarker for detection and patient staging. Expert commentary: Results of the first GUCY2C targeting schemes in patients will become available in the coming years. The identification of GUCY2C ligand loss as a requirement for colorectal tumorigenesis has the potential to change the treatment paradigm from an irreversible disease of genetic mutation, to a treatable disease of ligand insufficiency.

Recommended Citation

Aka, Allison A.; Rappaport, Jeff A.; Pattison, Amanda M.; Sato, Takami; Snook, Adam E.; and Waldman, Scott A., "Guanylate cyclase C as a target for prevention, detection, and therapy in colorectal cancer." (2017). Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Faculty Papers. Paper 82.
https://jdc.jefferson.edu/petfp/82

PubMed ID

28162021