Apoptotic pathways and stemness in the colorectal epithelium and lamina propria mucosae during the human embryogenesis and carcinogenesis

Our study revealed two different parallel pathways of cell death, with characteristic increase of AIF-mediated apoptosis when compared to caspase-3, and presence of stemness cells both during colon development and carcinogenesis. These finding might be considered as important diagnostic, survival and CRC therapy predictors.