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World J Gastrointest Oncol. Sep 15, 2026; 18(9): 123745
Published online Sep 15, 2026. doi: 10.4251/wjgo.123745
Published online Sep 15, 2026. doi: 10.4251/wjgo.123745
EPZ020411, a PRMT6 inhibitor, suppresses colorectal cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion through targeting the TGM2/MAPK axis
Yu-Zhong Chen, Jia Liu, Jun Du, Jia-Chi Ma, Gong-Sheng Jin, Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu 233000, Anhui Province, China
Ya-Ping Wang, Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu 233000, Anhui Province, China
Author contributions: Ma JC and Jin GS designed the project ideas, offered crucial guidance, revised the manuscript, and reviewed it to ensure adherence to ethical and scientific rigor; Chen YZ and Liu J designed and conducted experiments, wrote the manuscript, prepared experimental materials for the study, and participated in data interpretation, prepared Figures 1-5; Wang YP and Du J mainly participated in data collection, data analysis and data interpretation, and prepared Figure 6.
AI contribution statement: AI tools (specifically ChatGPT) were used solely for linguistic refinement and formatting assistance. No AI tool was involved in the generation of research data, interpretation of results, or formulation of conclusions. All AI-generated outputs were critically reviewed and revised by the authors.
Supported by Anhui Provincial University Scientific Research Project, No. 2023AH051989; Anhui Provincial Department of Education Faculty Development Program for Early- and Mid-Career Academics, No. JWFX2024022; Doctoral Research Start-Up Fund of the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, No. 2024-CYZ.
Institutional animal care and use committee statement: All procedures involving animals were reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of the Laboratory Animal Center of Bengbu Medical University (approval No. 2024-344).
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
ARRIVE guidelines statement: The authors have read the ARRIVE guidelines, and the manuscript was prepared and revised according to the ARRIVE guidelines.
Data sharing statement: All data generated or analyzed during this study are included in this published article.
Corresponding author: Gong-Sheng Jin, MD, Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, No. 287 Changhuai Street, Longzihu District, Bengbu 233000, Anhui Province, China. jgs2007@qq.com
Received: June 2, 2026
Revised: July 7, 2026
Accepted: August 25, 2026
Published online: September 15, 2026
Processing time: 98 Days and 22.6 Hours
Revised: July 7, 2026
Accepted: August 25, 2026
Published online: September 15, 2026
Processing time: 98 Days and 22.6 Hours
Core Tip
Core Tip: In this study, we have found that EPZ020411 suppresses the growth and metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Mechanistically, EPZ020411 downregulates transglutaminase 2 (TGM2) and inhibits the JNK/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling pathway. Notably, TGM2 overexpression partially reverses these effects, highlighting its critical role as a downstream mediator. Overall, this study identified a novel protein arginine methyltransferase 6 (PRMT6)-TGM2-MAPK regulatory axis and provided a preliminary experimental basis for the potential of targeting PRMT6 in CRC, and new insights into the potential of targeting PRMT6 as a therapeutic strategy for CRC.