Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant carcinoma worldwide. DNA polymerase epsilon 2, accessory subunit (POLE2) participates in DNA replication, repair, and cell cycle control, but its association with CRC development remains unclear. In the present study, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in CRC were screened from bioinformatics analysis based on GEO database. RT-qPCR was used to assess mRNA expression. CCK-8 and colony formation assays were applied for the evaluation of cell proliferation. Wound healing and transwell assays were used to detect cell migration and invasion. Protein levels were determined by Western blotting assay. We found that POLE2 was highly expressed in CRC tissues and cell lines. Inhibition of POLE2 suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion of CRC cells. Mechanistically, Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway was inactivated by inhibition of POLE2. Activation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway can reverse the function of POLE2 knockdown on CRC cells. In vivo studies demonstrated that POLE2 silencing could notably inhibit the growth of tumors, which was consistent with the results in vitro. In conclusion, we found POLE2 as a novel oncogene in CRC, providing a potential therapeutic or diagnostic target in CRC.