PTPN6-EGFR Protein Complex: A Novel Target for Colon Cancer Metastasis

This study investigates the expression of nonreceptor protein tyrosine phosphatase 6 (PTPN6) gene in different colon cancer cells and its effect on malignant biological behavior. The expression level of PTPN6 mRNA in different colon cancer cell lines was detected by qPCR. CCK-8, clone formation assay, scratch assay, and transwell assay were used to detect the effect of knockdown or overexpression of the PTPN6 gene on the malignant biological behavior of colon cancer cells. CO-IP assay was used to detect the interaction protein of PTPN6. PTPN6 was highly expressed in colorectal cancer tissues. High expression of PTPN6 is associated with poor prognosis in patients with colon cancer. PtPN6 knockdown inhibited the proliferation, invasion, migration, and clonogenesis of colorectal cancer LOVO and SW480 cells. At the same time, the knockdown of PTPN6 inhibited the EMT process in colorectal cancer. CO-IP results showed that PTPN6 had a protein-protein interaction with EGFR. Overexpression of EGFR increased the carcinogenic effect of PTPN6. The high expression of the PTPN6 gene can promote the proliferation, migration, and invasion of colon cancer cells. PTPN6 can interact with EGFR. PTPN6-EGFR complex may be an important factor affecting the biological characteristics of colon cancer cells and a potential therapeutic target.