OTOP3 functions as an oncogenic regulator of ferroptosis-mediated colorectal cancer progression.

BACKGROUND

OTOP3, a proton channel located at 17q25.1, drives colorectal cancer growth by enhancing c-Myc stability and inhibiting ferroptosis through GPX4 regulation. Inhibition of OTOP3 suppresses CRC proliferation via c-Myc destabilization, ROS accumulation, and lipid peroxidation, while modulating metabolic shifts linked to the Warburg effect. These findings position OTOP3 as a novel therapeutic target for CRC by disrupting oncogenic signaling and ferroptosis resistance.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate OTOP3's role in CRC growth/metastasis and its link to ferroptosis and metabolic reprogramming. To evaluate OTOP3 targeting as a therapeutic strategy.

METHODS

Colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines were transfected with OTOP3 siRNA to suppress gene expression, followed by cell viability assays to assess proliferation changes. Western blotting quantified c-Myc and GPX4 levels, while fluorescent probes measured ROS accumulation and lipid peroxidation. Ferroptosis induction was validated using ferroptosis inhibitors, and glycolytic activity was analyzed via glycolysis-related gene expression and lactate production assays.

RESULTS

OTOP3 inhibition destabilized c-Myc, suppressed proliferation, and induced ferroptosis via GPX4 reduction, ROS accumulation, and lipid peroxidation. Altered glycolysis factors indicated enhanced Warburg effect.

CONCLUSION

Our study provides compelling evidence that targeting OTOP3 effectively suppresses colorectal cancer proliferation by reducing c-Myc protein stability and inducing ferroptosis. These effects are closely associated with metabolic shifts characteristic of the Warburg effect, emphasizing OTOP3 as a potential therapeutic target in colorectal cancer treatment.