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

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.