Glyoxalase 1: emerging biomarker and therapeutic target in cervical cancer progression

Introduction Cervical cancer presents a significant global health challenge, disproportionately impacting underserved populations with limited access to healthcare. Early detection and effective management are vital in addressing this public health concern. This study focuses on Glyoxalase-1 (GLO1), an enzyme crucial for methylglyoxal detoxification, in the context of cervical cancer. Methods We assessed GLO1 expression in cervical cancer patient samples using immunohistochemistry. In vitro experiments using HeLa cell lines were conducted to evaluate the impact of GLO1 inhibition on cell viability and migration. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and gene set variation analysis were utilized to investigate GLO1 ’s role in the metabolism of cervical cancer. Additionally, public microarray data were analyzed to determine GLO1 expression across various stages of cervical cancer. Results Our analysis included 58 cervical cancer patients, and showed that GLO1 is significantly upregulated in cervical cancer tissues compared to normal cervical tissues, independent of pathological findings and disease stage. In vitro experiments indicated that GLO1 downregulation decreased cell viability and migration in cervical cancer cell lines. Analyses of scRNA-seq data and public gene expression datasets corroborated the overexpression of GLO1 and its involvement in cancer metabolism, particularly glycolysis. An examination of expression data from precancerous lesions revealed a progressive increase in GLO1 expression from normal tissue to invasive cervical cancer. Conclusions This study highlights the critical role of GLO1 in the progression of cervical cancer, presenting it as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target. These findings contribute valuable insights towards personalized treatment approaches and augment the ongoing efforts to combat cervical cancer. Further research is necessary to comprehensively explore GLO1’s potential in clinical applications. Synopsis This study examines Glyoxalase-1 (GLO1) in cervical cancer and reveals its significant upregulation in cancerous tissues compared to normal counterparts. In vitro experiments show that downregulating GLO1 decreases cell viability and migration. Single-cell RNA sequencing and gene expression analysis substantiate GLO1’s involvement in cancer metabolism, notably in glycolysis. These findings identify GLO1 as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target, offering insights for personalized treatment approaches in cervical cancer management.