Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 25, 2025

A Multiplexed Luciferase-based Screening Platform for Interrogating Cancer-associated Signal Transduction in Cultured Cells
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A Multiplexed Luciferase-based Screening Platform for Interrogating Cancer-associated Signal Transduction in Cultured Cells

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UKLF/PCBP2 axis governs the colorectal cancer development by transcriptionally activating SLC39A4

Yunze Li1, Lina Liu1

  • 1Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 36 Sanhao Street, Shenyang 110004, China.

Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta. Molecular Cell Research
|May 20, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Ubiquitous Kruppel-like factor (UKLF) drives colorectal cancer (CRC) growth and spread. Targeting the PCBP2/UKLF/SLC39A4 pathway offers a potential new strategy for CRC treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Colorectal cancer (CRC) presents significant treatment challenges.
  • New therapeutic targets for CRC are urgently needed.
  • The role of Ubiquitous Kruppel-like factor (UKLF) in CRC is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the function and molecular mechanism of UKLF in colorectal cancer development.
  • To explore the potential of UKLF as a therapeutic target for CRC.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of UKLF expression in clinical CRC tissues.
  • In vitro assays assessing cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis.
  • In vivo tumor growth studies.
  • Investigation of regulatory mechanisms involving PCBP2 and SLC39A4.

Main Results:

  • UKLF was highly expressed in CRC tissues and correlated with poor prognosis.
  • UKLF promoted CRC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion while inhibiting apoptosis.
  • UKLF accelerated tumor growth in vivo.
  • PCBP2 enhances UKLF mRNA stability by binding to its 3'-UTR.
  • UKLF regulates SLC39A4 expression transcriptionally.

Conclusions:

  • UKLF plays a critical role in promoting CRC progression.
  • The PCBP2/UKLF/SLC39A4 pathway is crucial in CRC development.
  • Targeting UKLF represents a promising novel therapeutic strategy for colorectal cancer.
Keywords:
ApoptosisColorectal cancerProliferationSLC39A4UKLF

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