Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent and lethal cancers worldwide and is characterized by uncontrolled cell invasion, migration, and proliferation. The progression of CRC is driven by genetic mutations and alterations in key signaling pathways. This study investigates the role of GPSM2 and ZNF263 implicated in CRC progression. The GPSM2 gene, which regulates G protein signaling pathways, plays a vital role in cell movement and growth, contributing to the metastatic potential of cancer cells. The ZNF263 gene, a zinc finger protein involved in gene expression regulation, is also linked to CRC progression, with its dysregulation affecting the cell cycle, apoptosis, and migration. In particular, this study explores how ZNF263 acts as a transcription factor, modulating the expression of GPSM2 to increase CRC cell invasion, migration, and proliferation. This study confirms that ZNF263 activates the cell cycle pathway in a GPSM2-dependent manner, driving the aggressive behavior of CRC cells. Bioinformatics analysis using the GEO database further supports these findings, identifying key genetic alterations in CRC. These insights provide a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying CRC progression and highlight the potential of ZNF263 and GPSM2 as therapeutic targets for intervention. This study underscores the importance of early detection and exploration of targeted therapies to improve CRC patient outcomes.