Involvement of CXCL12/CXCR4 axis in colorectal cancer: a mini-review

Migration of metastatic tumor cells is similar to the traffic of leukocytes and has been reported that can be guided by chemokines and their receptors, through the circulation to distant organs. The chemokine CXCL12 and its receptor CXCR4 play an essential role in hematopoietic stem cell homing and the activation of this axis supports malignant events. Binding of CXCL12 to CXCR4 activates signal transduction pathways, with broad effects on chemotaxis, cell proliferation, migration and gene expression. Thus, this axis serves as a bridge for tumor-stromal cell communication, creating a permissive microenvironment for tumor development, survival, angiogenesis and metastasis. Evidence suggests that this axis may be involved in the colorectal cancer (CRC) carcinogenesis. Therefore, we review emerging data and correlations between CXCL12/CXCR4 axis in CRC, the implications for cancer progression and possible therapeutic strategies that exploit this system.

Automated summary

Migration of metastatic tumor cells is similar to the traffic of leukocytes and can be guided by chemokines and their receptors. The CXCL12/CXCR4 axis plays a crucial role in hematopoietic stem cell homing and supports malignant events. This axis serves as a communication bridge between tumor-stromal cells, creating a favorable microenvironment for tumor development, angiogenesis, and metastasis. This review explores the correlation between the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis and colorectal cancer, as well as potential therapeutic strategies.