Fig. 7: JOSD2 is elevated in KRAS-mutant CRC tissues and positively correlated with KRAS expression.

a, b KRAS-mutant (Mut) and wild-type (WT) colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues were performed IHC (immunohistochemistry) assays and stained with KRAS and JOSD2. Representative images of IHC staining of KRAS and JOSD2 in KRAS-Mut and WT CRC tissues (n = 36 patients/group) were shown; Scale bar, 1.5 mm. c The correlation analysis between JOSD2 and KRAS was performed, and the r value was calculated by the two-tailed Spearman correlation analysis via GraphPad Prism (P < 0.001, r = 0.6147, 95% confidence interval 0.4410~0.7440). IHC score was evaluated by multiplication of positive staining proportions (1 score, <25%; 2 score, 25%–50%; 3 score, 50%-75%; 4 score, 75%–100%) and intensity of protein expressions (1 score, weak staining; 2 score, moderate staining; 3 score, high staining). –, negative expression (1–3 score); +, low expression (4–6 score); ++, medium expression (7–9 score); +++, high positive expression (10–12 score). d JOSD2-high expression CRC displayed higher KRAS levels compared to JOSD2-low expression tissues. e KRAS-mutant CRC tissues displayed higher JOSD2 levels compared to KRAS wild-type CRC tissues. f The schematic diagram of JOSD2/KRAS positive feedback loop promoting the proliferation of KRAS-mutant CRC (The schematic diagram was created in BioRender. https://BioRender.com/w35e177). Source data are provided as a Source Data file.