Mutations in the proapoptotic BAX gene are associated with defective DNA mismatch repair and altered tumor growth rates in human colon cancers

Abstract

10529 Background: BAX mutations are associated with defective DNA mismatch repair (MMR) in human colon cancers. However, the impact of BAX inactivation upon tumor cell apoptosis and proliferation in vivo remain unknown. We analyzed and compared caspase-3 and Ki-67 expression in tumors with and without BAX mutations. Methods: TNM stage II and III (n= 377) colon carcinomas were studied from participants in a 5-FU-based adjuvant therapy trial. Archival tumors were analyzed for instability at the BAT26 mononucleotide locus using polymerase chain reaction and hMLH1, hMSH2 and hMSH6 by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Frameshift mutations in a tract of eight deoxyguanosines within BAX were analyzed. Expression of caspase-3 and Ki-67 proteins were analyzed by IHC. Results: Thirty-nine of 377 (10%) tumors showed defective MMR defined as instability at BAT26 and loss of either hMLH1, hMSH2 and/or hMSH6 proteins. BAX mutations were found in 20 of 37 (54%) MMR deficient tumors and in 1 of 50 (2%) tumors with intact MMR. Mean and median number of caspase-3-positive cells were increased in tumors with defective MMR (p= 0.04), but did not differ based upon BAX status [ Table ]. However, tumors with BAX mutations showed higher Ki-67 labeling indices compared to those with wild type BAX (p= 0.01)[ Table ]. Neither BAX mutations nor caspase-3- positive cells were prognostic in a univariate analysis. Tumors with lower Ki-67 extent had improved overall survival (p=0.06), but not DFS (p=0.24). Defective MMR (vs intact) was associated with better DFS in a multivariate analysis (p= 0.03). Conclusion: MMR deficient colon cancers show frequent BAX inactivation, yet have increased apoptotic rates as indicated by increased caspase-3 expressing tumor cells. BAX mutation was associated with hyperproliferation suggesting a growth advantage compared to wild type tumors. [Table: see text] No significant financial relationships to disclose.