30P - Role of suppressor of cytokine signalling 6 (SOCS6) in colorectal cancer pathogenesis: Integrating clinical and molecular perspectives

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) stands as a formidable contributor to cancer-related mortality globally, motivating ongoing efforts to enhance diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Among emerging candidates, Suppressor of Cytokine Signalling 6 (SOCS6) has garnered attention for its potential implications in tumorigenesis, including CRC. Previously, dot blot technique revealed that SOCS6 binds to multiple candidates, including the erythropoietin receptor (EPOR), which is known to have role in cancer development. Therefore, SOCS6 could regulate the expression of EPOR to facilitate CRC progression. However, the differential expression patterns of SOCS6 and its correlation with EPOR in CRC is not well elucidated. This study aims to correlate expression levels of SOCS6 with the clinical outcomes using immunohistochemistry and to investigate the functional role of SOCS6 along with its correlation with EPOR in CRC.

Methods

Immunohistochemical staining was performed on a total of 80 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded CRC specimens, including 70 cancerous and 10 normal tissues, to unveil SOCS6 expression patterns. Moreover, to investigate the role, SOCS6 was silenced using siRNA and functional assays (cell proliferation, and wound healing) were performed in CRC cell lines (HT-29 and COLO-320DM). Also, qRT-PCR, and western blot were conducted to determine the correlation between SOCS6 and EPOR.

Results

Immunohistochemistry revealed a reduction in SOCS6 expression in CRC specimens compared to the normal tissue, yet not significantly associated with tumour stage or grade. Molecular investigations elucidated significant increase in cell proliferation in SOCS6 silenced HT-29 and COLO-320DM cells, demonstrating its tumor suppressive function. In terms of wound healing assay, the gap closure was significantly higher only in SOCS6 silenced COLO-320DM cells. In addition, silencing SOCS6 resulted in the upregulation of EPOR in COLO-320DM cells, however EPOR levels were reduced in HT-29 cells.

Conclusions

Our current findings suggest the tumour suppressive role of SOCS6 in CRC, with the potential to serve as a diagnostic and therapeutic marker.

Editorial acknowledgement

Clinical trial identification

Legal entity responsible for the study

The authors.

Funding

Sultan Qaboos University.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.