Publication

CARD11 Identified as Key Driver in Colorectal Cancer Progression by Emirati-Led Study

July 3, 2025

🧠 Introduction

An Emirati researcher has led a groundbreaking study revealing how the CARD11 gene influences colorectal cancer progression through the immune system. The findings offer new insights into tumor biology and signal the power of cross-institutional collaboration in advancing precision oncology in the UAE.

🔍 Research Summary

Dr. Faisal Alhosani, a recent PhD graduate from the University of Sharjah, led the study under the supervision of Prof. Rifat Hamoudi, in collaboration with Prof. Basel Al-Ramadi from the United Arab Emirates University. The work was carried out under the APMAD-ASPIRE VRI initiative, which fostered research collaboration between the two institutions.

The team focused on the gene CARD11, known to activate the NF-κB signaling pathway, a central mechanism in immune and inflammatory responses. Using transcriptomic profiling of colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines and patient samples, the researchers investigated how CARD11 overexpression affects tumor biology. Notably, the study relied on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor tissues — a technically challenging but clinically valuable data source — and applied advanced analysis methods to overcome known limitations.

Their analysis revealed that CARD11 overexpression contributes to cancer progression by promoting immune activation, inflammatory signaling, extracellular matrix remodeling, and enhanced chemotaxis. These findings not only shed light on a novel biomarker but also suggest new directions for targeted colorectal cancer therapies.

🌍 Broader Impact

This study exemplifies how the ASPIRE VRI initiative, through APMAD, has enabled translational, high-impact research that bridges basic science and clinical application. CARD11’s role in reshaping the tumor immune microenvironment underscores its potential as a biomarker for diagnosis or therapy in colorectal cancer — a major public health concern globally and in the region.

📎 Reference 

@article{Alhosani2024,
  title     = {Transcriptome Profiling Associated with CARD11 Overexpression in Colorectal Cancer Implicates a Potential Role for Tumor Immune Microenvironment and Cancer Pathways Modulation via NF-κB},
  journal   = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences},
  volume    = {25},
  year      = {2024},
  issn      = {1422-0067},
  doi       = {https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms251910367},
  author    = {Alhosani, Faisal and Ilce, Burcu Yener and Alhamidi, Reem Sami and Bhamidimarri, Poorna Manasa and Hamad, Alaa Mohamed and Alkhayyal, Noura and Künstner, Axel and Khandanpour, Cyrus and Busch, Hauke and Al-Ramadi, Basel and Sayed, Kadria and AlFazari, Ali and Bendardaf, Riyad and Hamoudi, Rifat}
}

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