In addition, we found the RANrs14035 CC genotype was related to a decreased risk of CRC with respect to tumor size and metabolism of homocysteine and folate.
Using a xenograft tumor assay, we demonstrate that depletion of Ran results in decreased tumorigenesis, and eventual tumor formation is associated with tumor cells that express Ran protein.
Although the small GTPase Ran is best known for its roles in nucleocytoplasmic transport, mitotic spindle assembly, and nuclear envelope formation, recent studies have demonstrated the overexpression of Ran in multiple tumor types and that its expression is correlated with a poor patient prognosis, providing evidence for the importance of this GTPase in cell growth regulation.
Given our observations that Ran and TPX2 depletion preferentially reduces the survival of activated K-Ras-transformed cells, these two proteins may serve as useful anticancer targets in tumors expressing the activated K-Ras oncogene.