Abstract
BackgroundThe Chromobox (CBX) domain protein family, a core component of polycomb repressive complexes 1, is involved in transcriptional repression, cell differentiation, and program development by binding to methylated histone tails. Each CBX family member plays a distinct role in various biological processes through their own specific chromatin domains, due to differences in conserved sequences of the CBX proteins. It has been demonstrated that colorectal cancer (CRC) is a multiple-step biological evolutionary process, whereas the roles of the CBX family in CRC remain largely unclear.MethodsIn the present study, the expression and prognostic significance of the CBX family in CRC were systematically analyzed through a series of online databases, including Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE), Oncomine, Human Protein Atlas (HPA), and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA). For in vitro verification, we performed cell cloning, flow cytometry and transwell experiments to verify the proliferation and invasion ability of CRC cells after knocking down CBX2.ResultsMost CBX proteins were found to be highly expressed in CRC, but only the elevated expression of CBX2 could be associated with poor prognosis in patients with CRC. Further examination of the role of CBX2 in CRC was performed through several in vitro experiments. CBX2 was overexpressed in CRC cell lines via the CCLE database and the results were verified by RT-qPCR. Moreover, the knockdown of CBX2 significantly suppressed CRC cell proliferation and invasion. Furthermore, the downregulation of CBX2 was found to promote CRC cell apoptosis.ConclusionsBased on these findings, CBX2 may function as an oncogene and potential prognostic biomarker. Thus, the association between the abnormal expression of CBX2 and the initiation of CRC deserves further exploration.
Highlights
The Chromobox (CBX) domain protein family, a core component of polycomb repressive complexes 1, is involved in transcriptional repression, cell differentiation, and program development by binding to methylated histone tails
Oncomine database analysis showed that the mRNA levels of CBX2, CBX3, CBX4, CBX5, and CBX8 were significantly higher in colorectal cancer (CRC) than in normal tissues, based on a wide variety of datasets
Association between CBX mRNA expression and pathological stages of CRCNext, a large sample from the The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset was analyzed in the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) database
Summary
The Chromobox (CBX) domain protein family, a core component of polycomb repressive complexes 1, is involved in transcriptional repression, cell differentiation, and program development by binding to methylated histone tails. It has been demonstrated that colorectal cancer (CRC) is a multiple-step biological evolutionary process, whereas the roles of the CBX family in CRC remain largely unclear. Increasing evidence has indicated that CRC is a highly heterogeneous disease with multiple molecular pathways involved in its progression [6]. Current TNM staging systems cannot reflect the intrinsic biological heterogeneity of CRC, especially in patients with atypical early symptoms. This results in < 50% of CRC being diagnosed early, with certain CRC patients diagnosed through this system already presenting with distant metastasis [7]. To improve the diagnosis, prognosis and targeted therapy of CRC, it is necessary to find biomarkers that can accurately predict its progression and therapeutic effect, and explore the mechanism of CRC development at the molecular level
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
