Stanniocalcin-2 significantly promotes colorectal cancer progression by regulating cancer cell proliferation and invasion.

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Our study delves into the molecular intricacies of CRC by analyzing gene expression profiles across multiple datasets, revealing significant gene alterations that distinguish CRC from normal tissues. We identified Stanniocalcin-2 (STC2) as a key regulator in CRC, associated with poor prognosis, survival outcomes and cancer cell proliferation or invasion. Through comprehensive data mining of the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), the European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), we emphasized the role of STC2 in tumorigenesis. Our pan-cancer analysis established STC2's involvement in various cancer types, underscoring its potential as a universal biomarker. Additionally, we performed experimental research and found STC2 is significantly upregulated in CRC tissue and can promote CRC progression by regulating cancer cell invasion and proliferation. This study provides valuable insights into the oncogenic role of STC2, proposing it as a promising target for therapeutic intervention and a marker for aggressive cancer phenotypes.