Aldolase A Promotes Colorectal Cancer Progression through Targeting COPS6 and Regulating MAPK Signaling Pathway

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Colorectal cancer (CRC) poses a significant health risk, with its underlying molecular mechanisms requiring further elucidation.
• Aldolase A (ALDOA) is implicated in various cancers, but its specific role and mechanisms in CRC remain largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role and molecular mechanisms of Aldolase A (ALDOA) in the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC).
• To identify potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers for CRC based on ALDOA's function.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of ALDOA expression and enzymatic activity in CRC tissues and cell lines.
• In vitro and in vivo experiments involving ALDOA gene silencing.
• Immunoprecipitation assays and mass spectrometry to identify ALDOA-interacting proteins.
• Investigation of ALDOA's effects on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and MAPK signaling pathways.

Main Results:

• High ALDOA expression and enzymatic activity were observed in CRC tissues and cells.
• ALDOA silencing significantly inhibited CRC cell proliferation and metastasis both in vitro and in vivo.
• COPS6 was identified as a binding protein of ALDOA, and its depletion reversed ALDOA-mediated CRC progression.
• ALDOA overexpression was found to activate EMT and the MAPK signaling pathway.

Conclusions:

• ALDOA promotes CRC proliferation and metastasis by interacting with COPS6, inducing EMT, and activating the MAPK pathway.
• ALDOA represents a promising potential biomarker and therapeutic target for colorectal cancer.