Differential regulation of EGFR-MAPK signaling by deoxycholic acid (DCA) and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in colon cancer

Dig Dis Sci. 2014 Oct;59(10):2367-80. doi: 10.1007/s10620-014-3190-7. Epub 2014 Jun 11.

Abstract

A high-fat diet coincides with increased levels of bile acids. This increase in bile acids, particularly deoxycholic acid (DCA), has been strongly associated with the development of colon cancer. Conversely, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) may have chemopreventive properties. Although structurally similar, DCA and UDCA present different biological and pathological effects in colon cancer progression. The differential regulation of cancer by these two bile acids is not yet fully understood. However, one possible explanation for their diverging effects is their ability to differentially regulate signaling pathways involved in the multistep progression of colon cancer, such as the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. This review will examine the biological effects of DCA and UDCA on colon cancer development, as well as the diverging effects of these bile acids on the oncogenic signaling pathways that play a role in colon cancer development, with a particular emphasis on bile acid regulation of the EGFR-MAPK pathway.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Colonic Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Deoxycholic Acid / metabolism*
  • ErbB Receptors / genetics
  • ErbB Receptors / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases / genetics
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*
  • Ursodeoxycholic Acid / metabolism*

Substances

  • Deoxycholic Acid
  • Ursodeoxycholic Acid
  • EGFR protein, human
  • ErbB Receptors
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases