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SNHG7 interacts with PCBP2 to promote CDKN2A expression and modulate cuproptosis in colorectal cancer
Qiusan Chen1, Qiuyu Song1, Haonan Zhang1
1Department of Gastroenterology; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases; Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology; The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
Abstract:
Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks as the third most common malignancy worldwide. Cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A) is a key regulatory gene in the recently identified cell death pathway known as cuproptosis. The small nucleolar RNA host gene 7 (SNHG7) is an important and versatile molecule engaged in a variety of tumorigenic processes. Poly(rC)-binding protein 2 (PCBP2) is an RNA-binding protein that enhances RNA stability and is implicated in the progression of various tumors. However, the clinical role of cuproptosis-related SNHG7 in CRC largely remains unclear. We conducted cell culture and subcutaneous tumor formation experiments in nude mice, followed by qPCR, Western blotting, RNA immunoprecipitation, lactate production assays, gel electrophoresis, and immunohistochemistry on the corresponding tissues. Our results demonstrate that SNHG7 interacts with PCBP2 to enhance the expression of CDKN2A, thereby modulating cuproptosis and promoting glycolysis. These findings suggest that SNHG7 represents a promising therapeutic target for CRC.
Insights
Small nucleolar RNA host gene 7 (SNHG7) promotes colorectal cancer (CRC) by enhancing Cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A) expression via Poly(rC)-binding protein 2 (PCBP2) interaction. This study highlights SNHG7 as a potential therapeutic target for CRC.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading global malignancy.
- Cuproptosis is a novel cell death pathway involving the CDKN2A gene.
- SNHG7 and PCBP2 are implicated in tumorigenesis, but their role in CRC via cuproptosis is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical role of cuproptosis-related SNHG7 in colorectal cancer.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanism by which SNHG7 influences CRC progression.
Main Methods:
- Cell culture and in vivo tumor formation in nude mice.
- Quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Western blotting for gene and protein expression analysis.
- RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), lactate production assays, gel electrophoresis, and immunohistochemistry.
Main Results:
- SNHG7 was found to interact with PCBP2.
- This interaction enhances the expression of CDKN2A.
- The SNHG7-PCBP2-CDKN2A axis modulates cuproptosis and promotes tumor glycolysis.
Conclusions:
- SNHG7 promotes colorectal cancer progression by regulating cuproptosis and glycolysis.
- SNHG7, in conjunction with PCBP2 and CDKN2A, represents a potential therapeutic target for CRC treatment.
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