EphB receptor activity suppresses colorectal cancer progression

Most sporadic colorectal cancers are initiated by activating Wnt pathway mutations¹, characterized by the stabilization of β-catenin and constitutive transcription by the β-catenin/T cell factor-4 (Tcf-4) complex^2'3. EphB guidance receptors are Tcf4 target genes that control intestinal epithelial architecture through repulsive interactions with Ephrin-B ligands^4'5. Here we show that, although Wnt signalling remains constitutively active, most human colorectal cancers lose expression of EphB at the adenoma-carcinoma transition. Loss of EphB expression strongly correlates with degree of malignancy. Furthermore, reduction of EphB activity accelerates tumorigenesis in the colon and rectum of Apc^Min/+ mice, and results in the formation of aggressive adenocarcinomas. Our data demonstrate that loss of EphB expression represents a critical step in colorectal cancer progression.