Epigenetic regulation of NR5A2 influences colorectal cancer cell stemness via a stemness-related transcription factor NANOG.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is an aggressive malignancy with high mortality, and the identification of upstream regulators of stemness represents a critical step toward developing more effective targeted therapies. This study aimed to define the role of NR5A2 in CRC, particularly in the context of cancer stem cells (CSCs).

Methods

We profiled DNA copy number alterations, DNA methylation status, and mRNA expression in 30 CRC specimens. Primary CRC cells and CSC-enriched sphere cultures were established in vitro. Functional assays included RNA sequencing, sphere- and colony-formation assays, cell viability and cytotoxicity assessments, qRT-PCR, western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and in vivo patient-derived xenograft (PDX)

SUBMITTER: Liu J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12604224 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature