Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 4, 2026

Colorectal Cancer Cell Surface Protein Profiling Using an Antibody Microarray and Fluorescence Multiplexing

Colorectal Cancer Cell Surface Protein Profiling Using an Antibody Microarray and Fluorescence Multiplexing

Published on: September 25, 2011

Nucleolar protein 6 as a potential oncogenic factor in colorectal cancer

Shunxin Song^1,2,3, Yixin Zhang^1,2,3, Lingxi Li²

¹Department of General Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, University of South China, Chenzhou, People's Republic of China.

|February 2, 2026

Abstract

Background:

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignancy of the digestive tract associated with high mortality rates and significant invasive properties. Despite advancements in research, a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory mechanisms underlying CRC remains elusive.

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate the potential role of nucleolar protein 6 (NOL6) and its related genes as novel biomarkers for cell proliferation in CRC. The findings of this study could significantly contribute to early diagnosis and more effective therapeutic strategies for CRC.

Methods:

Human CRC cell line HCT116 was cultured under standard conditions. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry analysis were used to measure NOL6 expression levels in CRC tissues. Cell proliferation was assessed using the MTT assay, Celigo cell count assay, and colony formation assays, while flow cytometry was employed to evaluate cell apoptosis. Additionally, a transwell migration assay was performed to evaluate CRC cell migration and invasion. Comprehensive proteomic and transcriptomic analyses were performed to identify the downstream genes and pathways affected by NOL6 knockdown. The expression of these genes was further validated by Western blotting. Xenograft mouse models were used to determine the effects of NOL6 on CRC in vivo. Tandem mass tags (TMT)-labeled quantitative proteomic technology and bioinformatic analysis were employed to identify the functional pathway and proteins regulated by NOL6.

Results:

The Cancer Genome Atlas data analysis revealed a significant upregulation of NOL6 in CRC cells compared with adjacent normal cells. In HCT116 cells, downregulation of NOL6 was associated with decreased proliferation and colony formation, as well as increased apoptosis. Additionally, NOL6 knockdown resulted in a decrease in the weight and volume of tumors in nude mice, suggesting its role in tumorigenesis. TMT and Western blot analyses revealed that NOL6 knockdown suppressed MCM3 and MCM7 expression.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrated that NOL6 functions as an oncogene that facilitates CRC progression, suggesting its potential role as a therapeutic target for CRC management.

More Related Videos

Identification of Nucleolar Factors During HIV-1 Replication Through Rev Immunoprecipitation and Mass Spectrometry

Identification of Nucleolar Factors During HIV-1 Replication Through Rev Immunoprecipitation and Mass Spectrometry

Published on: June 26, 2019

A Genetically Engineered Mouse Model of Sporadic Colorectal Cancer

A Genetically Engineered Mouse Model of Sporadic Colorectal Cancer

Published on: July 6, 2017

Related Concept Videos

Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes

Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes

Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...

Factors Affecting Protein-Drug Binding: Protein-Related Factors

Factors Affecting Protein-Drug Binding: Protein-Related Factors

Drug binding to proteins is a key aspect of pharmacokinetics and can influence a drug's distribution, absorption, and elimination in the body. Several factors, including the drug's physiochemical properties, protein concentration, disease states, and the number of binding sites on the protein, influence this process.
The physicochemical properties of a drug play a significant role in its ability to bind to proteins. Lipophilic drugs, which dissolve in fats, oils, and lipids, can be...

Factors Affecting Protein-Drug Binding: Drug-Related Factors

Factors Affecting Protein-Drug Binding: Drug-Related Factors

Drug binding to proteins is a complex phenomenon influenced by various drug-related factors, each playing a significant role in the interaction between drugs and proteins within the body.
One crucial factor in drug-protein binding is the drug's lipophilicity or its affinity for fat. More lipophilic drugs tend to have higher binding extents. For example, highly lipophilic drugs like cloxacillin exhibit substantial protein binding, with as much as 95% of the drug binding to proteins. In...

Factors Affecting Protein-Drug Binding: Patient-Related Factors

Factors Affecting Protein-Drug Binding: Patient-Related Factors

Protein-drug binding, a pivotal aspect of pharmacokinetics, is subject to considerable variability influenced by an array of patient-related factors. The intricate interplay of age, individual differences, and pathological conditions significantly impact the binding dynamics and subsequent pharmacological effects.
Age stands as a key determinant in protein-drug binding. Neonates, characterized by low albumin content, experience heightened concentrations of unbound drugs such as phenytoin and...

Transcription Factors

Transcription Factors

Tissue-specific transcription factors contribute to diverse cellular functions in mammals. For example, the gene for beta globin, a major component of hemoglobin, is present in all cells of the body. However, it is only expressed in red blood cells because the transcription factors that can bind to the promoter sequences of the beta globin gene are only expressed in these cells. Tissue-specific transcription factors also ensure that mutations in these factors may impair only the function of...

Factors Affecting Protein-Drug Binding: Drug Interactions

Factors Affecting Protein-Drug Binding: Drug Interactions

Drug interactions are a critical aspect of pharmacology and can occur when two or more drugs compete for the same binding site. This competition can result in one drug displacing another, altering the effect of the displaced drug. Drug interactions are complex processes that rely heavily on how much of the displacer drug is present and how strongly it can bind to the same sites as the displaced drug.
Displacement interactions can have varying outcomes, ranging from toxicity to virtually...

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Development and validation of a machine learning-based risk prediction model for PICC-associated bloodstream infections in preterm infants: a retrospective multicenter study.

Frontiers in pediatrics·2026

Site-Specific Apo AI Glycation Impairs HDL Function and Promotes Atherosclerosis in Diabetes.

Circulation·2026

Mechanistic basis for calmodulin‑dependent allosteric activation of the neuropathy-associated formin INF2.

Cell reports·2026

CKLF1 upregulation exacerbates secondary brain injury after intracerebral hemorrhage by promoting neuronal ferroptosis and oxidative stress.

Free radical biology & medicine·2026

Standardized surgical procedure of proximally extended resection and sphincter-preserving surgery (Tianhe Procedure) for rectal cancer after radiotherapy (2025 version).

Gastroenterology report·2026

Nanoparticle Internalization into Protocells through Dynamic Membrane Remodeling Guided by Electrostatic Repulsion.

ACS nano·2026

See all related articles