Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42021323›Full record

ArticleHereditas2026

A comprehensive analysis of the Cullin family reveals that CUL5 and CUL7 promote colorectal cancer progression and serve as prognostic markers.

Noura Al-Dayan

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Hereditas, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

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3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

1 author.

Noura Al-DayanDepartment of Medical Laboratory, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, 11942, Saudi Arabia. n.aldayan@psau.edu.sa.

Funding

Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University PSAU/2025/03/34450
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a major cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Although Cullin family genes (CUL1, CUL2, CUL3, CUL4A, CUL4B, CUL5, CUL7, and CUL9) have been implicated in tumorigenesis, their roles in CRC are not fully defined. This study integrated in silico analysis with in vitro validation to characterize the expression and functional relevance of these genes in CRC. Transcriptomic profiling of TCGA datasets revealed significant up-regulation of CUL1, CUL2, CUL4A, CUL4B, CUL5, CUL7, and CUL9 in tumor tissues, with higher expression correlating with advanced stage and poorer survival, particularly for CUL5 and CUL7. Immunohistochemistry confirmed elevated protein levels, while genomic analysis showed that CUL9, CUL1, and CUL7 exhibited the highest mutation frequencies, though without significant survival impact. Single-cell and subtype analyses demonstrated distinct Cullin gene expression patterns across tumor-associated cell populations and immune or molecular subtypes. Functional enrichment indicated involvement in ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis and cancer-related pathways. Experimental knockdown of CUL5 and CUL7 in CRC cell lines significantly reduced proliferation and colony formation. ChIP-qPCR demonstrated increased H3K27ac enrichment at the CUL5 and CUL7 promoters in CRC cells, indicating epigenetic activation. Cycloheximide (CHX) chase assays further showed that silencing CUL5 or CUL7 accelerated the degradation of CREB1 and Cyclin D1, suggesting a role in substrate stabilization. Overall, our findings highlight the widespread up-regulation and functional significance of Cullin genes in CRC, with CUL5 and CUL7 emerging as key contributors to tumor progression and potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets.

Indexed as

Biomarkers, TumorColorectal NeoplasmsCullin ProteinsCell Line, TumorDisease ProgressionGene Expression ProfilingGene Expression Regulation, NeoplasticHumansPrognosisBiomarkers, TumorCUL5 protein, humanCUL7 protein, humanCullin ProteinsCRCCullin family genesDiagnosisPrognosisTreatment

Identifiers

PMID42021323
PMCPMC13238039

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.