Identification and validation of the potential therapeutic value of CASK in osteosarcoma: a computational analysis and in vitro experiments

Introduction Currently, identifying new therapeutic targets in clinical practice is crucial for improving the treatment of osteosarcoma. The abnormal expression of calcium/calmodulin-dependent serine protein kinase (CASK) plays an important role in the tumorigenesis of many cancers; however, the role of CASK in the potential therapeutic value of osteosarcoma has not been reported. Methods The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was used to analyze the expression levels of CASK in osteosarcoma patients. Cell experiments validated the role of CASK in osteosarcoma cells and revealed the potential mechanism of action of CASK from three aspects: immunity, pathogenic gene expression, and protein interaction. Results The results showed that CASK was significantly upregulated in osteosarcoma samples. Inhibiting the expression of CASK can significantly promote cell apoptosis and inhibit the cycle progression of osteosarcoma cells. The high expression of CASK is mainly enriched in the immune system process, the JAK/STAT signaling pathway. There is a significant positive correlation between CASK and Macrophages_M2. Changes in CASK expression levels may activate the JAK/STAT signaling pathway by affecting the immunity of Macrophages_M2, thereby regulating apoptosis and cell cycle progression in osteosarcoma cells. Discussion In conclusion, CASK may be a potential therapeutic target for osteosarcoma patients.