The Interaction of GLUT1 and FOXM1 Leads to a Poor Prognosis in Colorectal Cancer

Background: Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is one of the most common fatal diseases with high morbidity. Alteration of glucose metabolism is one of the hallmarks in the development of CRC. Glucose Transporter 1 (GLUT1) is a key rate-limiting protein in hyperactive glucose metabolism and up-regulated in CRC, however, the underlying mechanism of the altered metabolism in CRC is still unknown. Methods: In this study, immunohistochemical staining was used to evaluate the expression of GLUT1 and FOXM1 in 135 paired CRC and adjacent normal tissues. The association between the expression of GLUT1/FOXM1 and clinicopathological factors was determined and the correlation between GLUT1 and FOXM1 in CRC was investigated. Results: Our results revealed that regardless of tumor location, GLUT1 and FOXM1 were overexpressed in CRC tissues, especially in patients with positive lymph node metastasis and TNM stage III-IV. Furthermore, GLUT1 showed a significantly strong link with FOXM1 in CRC tissue. Conclusion: Overexpression of GLUT1 and FOXM1 may play critical roles in CRC leading to a poor prognosis.