文章目录[隐藏]
Background Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have unique biological characteristics, including tumorigenicity, immortality, and
chemoresistance. Colorectal CSCs have been identified and isolated from colorectal cancers by various methods. AKAP12, a
scaffolding protein, is considered to act as a potential suppressor in colorectal cancer, but its role in CSCs remains unknown. In
this study, we investigated the function of AKAP12 in Colorectal CSCs. Methods Herein, Colorectal CSCs were enriched by cell culture with a serum-free medium. CSC-associated characteristics
were evaluated by Flow cytometry assay and qPCR. AKAP12 gene expression was regulated by lentiviral transfection assay.
The tumorigenicity of AKAP12 in vivo by constructing a tumor xenograft model. The related pathways were explored by
qPCR and Western blot. Results The depletion of AKAP12 reduced colony formation, sphere formation, and expression of stem cell markers in
colorectal cancer cells, while its knockdown decreased the volume and weight of tumor xenografts in vivo. AKAP12
expression levels also affected the expression of stemness markers associated with STAT3, potentially via regulating the
expression of protein kinase C. Conclusion This study suggests Colorectal CSCs overexpress AKAP12 and maintain stem cell characteristics through the
AKAP12/PKC/STAT3 pathway. AKAP12 may be an important therapeutic target for blocking the development of colorectal
cancer in the field of cancer stem cells.
