Solute Carrier Family 35 A2 (SLC35A2) Promotes Tumor Progression through MYC-Mediated Pathways in Colorectal Cancer
Kuei-Yen Tsai1,2,3, Po-Li Wei2,4,5,6, Cheng-Chin Lee1
1Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
International Journal of Medical Sciences
|April 30, 2025
Summary
Solute carrier family 35 A2 (SLC35A2) is upregulated in colorectal cancer (CRC), correlating with poorer survival and chemoresistance. Targeting SLC35A2 may offer new therapeutic strategies for CRC patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Bioinformatics
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide.
- While treatments have advanced, enhancing therapeutic responses in advanced CRC is crucial.
- Dysregulation of nucleotide sugar transporters (NSTs) is implicated in tumor development and progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic and prognostic significance of solute carrier family 35 A (SLC35A) members in colorectal cancer.
- To identify potential biomarkers for CRC patient outcomes and treatment response.
Main Methods:
- Integrative bioinformatics analysis using public databases (GENT2, TCGA, UALCAN, cBioPortal, Kaplan-Meier plotter, ROC plotter, GDSC, TISIDB, TIMER).
- Gene expression profiling comparison between CRC tumors and normal tissues.
- Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and CRC cell line modeling.
Main Results:
- SLC35A2 was significantly upregulated in CRC tumors, unlike other SLC35A family members.
- High SLC35A2 expression correlated with microsatellite stable (MSS) tumors and poorer relapse-free survival.
- SLC35A2 upregulation is linked to metabolic pathways, chemoresistance to irinotecan, and reduced immune cell infiltration (CD8+ T cells, B cells).
Conclusions:
- SLC35A2 is a key upregulated gene in CRC, associated with poor prognosis and treatment resistance.
- SLC35A2 plays a role in cancer cell metabolic reprogramming, tumor progression, and immune evasion.
- SLC35A2 represents a promising prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target for colorectal cancer.
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