Arginase 2 Promotes Colorectal Cancer Metastasis via PI3K/AKT Pathway Activation and Regulates Tumor Immune Infiltration.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, with metabolic reprogramming involved in its pathogenesis. Aberrant Arginase 2 (ARG2) expression is linked to malignant progression, but its role in CRC remains unclear.

Methods

ARG2 expression in CRC and adjacent tissues was analyzed. In vitro experiments were performed after ARG2 knockdown. Mechanistic investigations focused on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), PI3K/AKT pathway, immune infiltration, and drug sensitivity.

Results

ARG2 was upregulated in CRC tissues, correlating with poor prognosis. ARG2 knockdown inhibited CRC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by reducing Zinc Finger E-Box Binding Homeobox 1 (ZEB1), N-cadherin, and MMP2, suppressing EMT. Additionally, ARG

SUBMITTER: Zhang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12868387 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature