B cell CLL/lymphoma 10 promotes colorectal cancer cell proliferation and regulates cuproptosis sensitivity through the NF-κB signaling pathway

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major global health burden. B cell CLL/lymphoma 10 (BCL10), a key component of the caspase recruitment domain protein-BCL10-mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma paracaspase complexes, is upregulated in CRC and associated with poor patient prognosis, suggesting its potential role in CRC development and progression. Cuproptosis, a novel form of programmed cell death, has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer. AIM To explore the role of BCL10 in regulating the sensitivity of CRC cells to cuproptosis. METHODS A series of in vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted using CRC cell lines and CRC mouse models to evaluate the effects of BCL10 on CRC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and sensitivity to copper-induced cell death. Mechanistic studies were performed to elucidate the underlying molecular pathways. RESULTS BCL10 promoted CRC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while its knockdown had the opposite effects. BCL10 also influenced the sensitivity of CRC cells to cuproptosis, with BCL10 overexpression enhancing resistance and its knockdown increasing sensitivity. The mechanism involved BCL10 modulating the expression of DLAT, a key protein in the copper-induced cell death pathway, through activation of the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. CONCLUSION BCL10 promotes CRC growth and regulates the sensitivity of CRC cells to cuproptosis by activating the NF-κB signaling pathway and modulating DLAT expression. These findings provide a molecular basis for developing BCL10-targeted therapies for CRC.