CLMP increases 5-fluorouracil sensitivity in colorectal cancer through the inhibition of autophagy

BACKGROUND: We aimed to explore the biological function of CLMP in colorectal cancer (CRC) and to determine the effect of CLMP on 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) sensitivity in CRC. METHODS: Sixteen pairs of CRC tissues and paracancerous tissues were collected. Immortalized intestinal epithelial cell lines and human CRC cell lines were purchased, and the cells were treated with DMSO and 5-FU. RTqPCR, western blotting, CCK8, colony formation, scratch, and Transwell assays were performed to determine the molecular mechanism of CLMP in the regulation of autophagy and sensitivity to 5-FU in CRC cells. RESULTS: CLMP was expressed at low levels in CRC tissues. The upregulation of CLMP expression could inhibit cell proliferation, colony number, migration and invasion and increase the sensitivity of CRC cells to 5-FU. Mechanistic studies revealed that the overexpression of CLMP could block the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, inhibit autophagy, and increase the chemosensitivity of CRC cells to 5-FU. CONCLUSION: CLMP overexpression can reduce the level of autophagy and increase the sensitivity of CRC to 5-FU, providing a potential target for the treatment of CRC.