Overexpression of Klotho gene using CRISPR/Cas9 induces apoptosis and inhibits cell motility in the human colorectal cancer cells.

Abstract

Despite advances in early detection and treatment, colorectal cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. The klotho (KL) gene plays a critical role in the development and progression of colorectal cancer. This study investigates the role of the KL gene in colorectal cancer by using the CRISPR/Cas9 system to overexpress and knock out (KO) the KL gene in human colorectal cancer cells (Caco-2). The effects of the changes were assessed by gene expression analysis, flow cytometry, scratch wound closure assays, colony formation assays, and immunofluorescence staining. Our results showed that overexpression of the KL gene increased apoptosis and decreased cell motility in cancer cells, whereas knockout of the KL gene had the opposite role. The present study elucidates the mechanisms underlying this role and highlights the potential of the CRISPR/Cas9 system as a gene editing tool in cancer research. Our data suggest that activation of the KL gene may serve as a novel therapeutic strategy and biomarker for studies in colorectal cancer.