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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2025.02.28.640859

CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Cldn2 Knockout in HCT116 Cells, Reveals Its Crucial Role in Colorectal Cancer progression

Alghamdi, R. A.·Al-Zahrani, M. H.
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Abstract

BackgroundColon cancer progression heavily relies on intricate mechanisms of invasion, metastasis, and migration. Tight junction protein Cldn2 has emerged as a potential regulator of these processes. This study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms linking Clan2 deletion to gene expression changes related to motility, invasion, and metastasis in colon caner. MethodsCRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of human Cldn2 in HCT116 cells was conducted, and the resulting cells were compared to the wild-type cells using real-time PCR to analyze the expression of genes associated with invasion and metastasis. ResultsCldn2-KO resulted in a widespread downregulation of genes linked to motility, invasion, and metastasis, including ZONAB, NDRG1, Cldn14, Cldn23, Bcl2, , P53, and BCL-6. These findings suggest a potential regulatory role of Cldn2 in the expression of these genes, influencing colon cancer cell migration and spread. ConclusionThis study identified Claudin-2 as a crucial regulator of genes involved in colorectal cancer metastasis. Downregulation of these genes upon Claudin-2 deletion suggests its inhibitory role in cancer cell motility and invasion. Further investigation into the specific downstream signaling pathways mediated by Claudin-2 could pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies targeting metastasis inhibition.

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Alghamdi, R. A., Al-Zahrani, M. H.. 2025-03-01. CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Cldn2 Knockout in HCT116 Cells, Reveals Its Crucial Role in Colorectal Cancer progression. https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.02.28.640859

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