High INHBB expression in colorectal cancer is associated with poor prognosis and drives malignant phenotypes in tumor cells.

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents a prevalent global malignancy, with its progression intimately associated with biological processes such as oxidative stress and anoikis. This study aimed to evaluate a prognostic model derived from oxidative stress and anoikis-related genes (OARGs) in CRC and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of the core gene, INHBB.

RESULTS

We constructed a 12-genes prognostic model that retained independent predictive power for overall survival. Among the identified genes, INHBB was significantly upregulated in CRC tissues and cell lines, correlating with poor overall survival. Functional characterization revealed that INHBB overexpression markedly promoted malignant phenotypes, including proliferation, migration, and invasion. INHBB accelerates cell cycle progression, confers resistance to anoikis, exacerbates oxidative stress, and activates the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway.

CONCLUSION

Beyond validating a novel OARGs-based prognostic model, this study highlights INHBB as a critical malignant regulator driving colorectal cancer aggressiveness, suggesting its potential as a prognostic biomarker and precision therapeutic target.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.