PEX26 Functions as a Metastasis Suppressor in Colorectal Cancer.

Background/aims: Aberrant Peroxisomal Biogenesis Factor 26 (PEX26) occurs in multiple cell process. However, the role of PEX26 in colorectal cancer (CRC) development remains unknown. We aimed to study PEX26 expression, regulation, and function in CRC cells.

Methods: Using the bioinformatic analysis, real-time quantitative PCR, and immunohistochemistry staining, we detected the expression of PEX26 in CRC and normal tissues. We performed functional experiments in vitro to elucidate the effect of PEX26 on CRC cells. We analyzed the RNA-seq data to reveal the downstream regulating network of PEX26.

Results: PEX26 is significantly down-regulated in CRC and its low expression correlates with the poor overall survival of CRC patients. We further demonstrated that PEX26 over-expression inhibits the ability of CRC cell migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), while PEX26 knockdown promotes the malignant phenotypes of migration, invasion, and EMT via activating the Wnt pathway.

Conclusion: Overall, our results showed that the loss of PEX26 contributes to the malignant phenotype of CRC. PEX26 may serve as a novel metastasis repressor for CRC.