The Role of Maspin in Colorectal Carcinoma, an Immunohistochemical Study

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is a common cancer that arises from genetic and epigenetic changes in colon stem cells. The protein maspin acts as a tumor suppressor, influencing cell adhesion, motility, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. Its role varies by localization within cells; cytoplasmic maspin is associated with low metastatic risk, while nuclear maspin is linked to early recurrence in advanced CRC. Maspin's function can be either tumor-suppressive or oncogenic, depending on its expression and methylation status. Further research is needed to fully understand its prognostic significance in CRC.