Colorectal cancer cells – Proliferation, survival and invasion by lysophosphatidic acid

Colorectal cancer (CRC) develops through a series of genetic modifications that transforms normal colonic epithelium to an adenoma and then ultimately adenocarcinoma. A body of evidence suggests that lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a potent inducer of cancer progression at multiple levels. However, the pathological significance and mechanisms of LPA-mediated effects in the intestinal tract have only recently drawn interests. CRC cells have aberrant LPA receptor expression and LPA enhances proliferation, survival, and invasion of CRC cells, implying LPA and its signaling pathways as potential targets for anti-cancer therapies. The mechanisms of fostering CRC by LPA include dysregulation of transcription factors, activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and angiogenic factors. This review provides a brief summary of recent advance on the effects of LPA on CRC cells.