PGM1 suppresses colorectal cancer cell migration and invasion by regulating the PI3K/AKT pathway

Zhewen Zheng1, Xue Zhang2, Jian Bai3

  • 1Department of Radiation Oncology and Medical Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China.

Abstract

Insights

Phosphoglucomutase 1 (PGM1) suppresses colorectal cancer (CRC) progression by inhibiting cell proliferation and promoting apoptosis. Targeting PGM1 may offer a new therapeutic strategy for CRC treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Phosphoglucomutase 1 (PGM1) is implicated in cancer, but its specific role in colorectal cancer (CRC) was previously unknown.
  • This study investigated the functions and underlying mechanisms of PGM1 in the context of CRC.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the biological role and functional mechanisms of PGM1 in colorectal cancer (CRC).
  • To determine if PGM1 can be a potential therapeutic target for CRC treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized TCGA-COAD dataset mining and computational biology to identify PGM1 as a differentially expressed gene.
  • Assessed PGM1 expression in CRC tissues using qRT-PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry.
  • Evaluated PGM1's functional impact on CRC cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, migration, and invasion in vitro and in vivo.

Main Results:

  • PGM1 expression was significantly reduced in CRC tissues, correlating with poorer CRC pathology and overall survival.
  • PGM1 knockdown enhanced CRC cell proliferation and colony formation while inhibiting apoptosis and cell cycle arrest.
  • PGM1 overexpression demonstrated opposing effects, suppressing CRC progression in vitro and in vivo, linked to the PI3K/AKT pathway.

Conclusions:

  • PGM1 acts as a tumor suppressor in colorectal cancer, inhibiting tumor progression through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
  • These findings highlight PGM1 as a promising therapeutic target for colorectal cancer interventions.

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