Ivermectin induces apoptosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via mitochondrial pathway

Abstract Background Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the most predominant primary malignant tumor among worldwide, especially in China. To date, the successful treatment remains a mainly clinical challenge, it is imperative to develop successful therapeutic agents. Methods The anti-proliferative effect of ivermectin on ESCC is investigated in cell model and in nude mice model. Cell apoptosis was assessed using flow cytometry, TUNEL assay and western blotting. Mitochondrial dysfunction was determined by reactive oxygen species accumulation, mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP levels. Results Our results determined that ivermectin significantly inhibited the proliferation of ESCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we found that ivermectin markedly mediated mitochondrial dysfunction and induced apoptosis of ESCC cells, which indicated the anti-proliferative effect of ivermectin on ESCC cells was implicated in mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Mechanistically, ivermectin significantly triggered ROS accumulation and inhibited the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway and increased the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2. Conclusions These finding indicated that ivermectin has significant anti-tumour potential for ESSC and may be a potential therapeutic candidate against ESCC.

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TOPK Promotes Metastasis of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Activating Src/GSK3β/STAT3 Signal Pathway though γ-catenin

10.21203/rs.2.13096/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Yanan Jiang ◽

Jing Zhang ◽

Jimin Zhao ◽

Zhenzhen Li ◽

Hanyong Chen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽

Protein Kinase ◽

Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽

Cell Carcinoma ◽

Lung Metastasis ◽

Squamous Cell ◽

Tissue Array ◽

Erk Pathway ◽

Mice Model

Abstract Background Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a deadly disease with the poor prognosis in the world. The distal metastasis is the most death reason of ESCC. It is needed to have a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanism of metastasis to increase the free survive rate. T-LAK cell-originated protein kinase (TOPK) which is a MAPKK-like kinase takes an vital role in many physical and pathophysiological progress. However, the function of TOPK in ESCC metastasis was unclear. Methods Tissue array was used to evaluate the relationship between TOPK and ESCC patient with lymph node metastasis. Wound healing assay, transwell assay and lung metastasis mice model were assessed for the role of TOPK in the migration of ESCC cells in vitro and in vivo respectively. Protein kinase array, MS and molecular modeling were carried out to find the relational pathways and target protein of TOPK. Even, immune-fluorescence and western blot were performed to evaluate the mechanism of TOPK. Results We found that the high level of TOPK was correlated with the aggressive phenotype in ESCC tissues. Knocking down TOPK inhibited the invasion and migration of ESCC cells. We also verified that TOPK inhibitor HI-TOPK-032 inhibited the lung metastasis in ESCC cell exnograft model. Even more, molecular investigation indicated that TOPK promoted the invasion of ESCC cells by activing Src/GSK3β/STAT3, ERK pathway by binding with γ-catenin. Conclusion These findings reveal that TOPK was sincerely related with ESCC cell metastasis and TOPK promoted the invasion of ESCC cells by activing Src/GSK3β/STAT3, ERK pathway. This means that TOPK may be a potential molecular target for ESCC in clinic.

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miR-17-5p and miR-4443 Promote Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Development by Targeting TIMP2

Frontiers in Oncology ◽

10.3389/fonc.2021.605894 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 ◽

Author(s):

Xiaojun Wang ◽

Jiayi Han ◽

Yatian Liu ◽

Jingwen Hu ◽

Ming Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽

Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽

Cell Carcinoma ◽

Squamous Cell ◽

Critical Role ◽

Mice Model ◽

Normal Tissues ◽

Bioinformatic Tools

BackgroundEsophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in the world with a high mortality rate. The mechanism about ESCC development and whether miRNAs play a critical role remains unclear and needs carefully elucidated.Materials and MethodsHigh-throughput miRNA sequencing was used to identify the different expression miRNAs between the ESCC tissues and paired adjacent normal tissues. Next, both CCK-8, Transwell and apotosis assay were used to evaluate the role of miRNA in ESCCcells. In addition, we used bioinformatic tools to predict the potential target of the miRNAs and verified by Western Blot. The function of miRNA-target network was further identified in xenograft mice model.ResultsIn ESCC, we identified two miRNAs, miR-17-5p and miR-4443, were significantly upregulated in ESCC tissues than adjacent normal tissues. TIMP2 was proved to be the direct target of both two miRNAs. The miR-17-5p/4443- TIMP2 axis was shown to promote the tumor progression in vitro and in vivo experiments.ConclusionsThis study highlights two oncomiRs, miR-17-5p and miR-4443, and its potential role in ESCC progression by regulating TIMP2 expression, suggesting miR-17-5p and miR-4443 may serve as a novel molecular target for ESCC treatment.

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THAP9-AS1/miR-133b/SOX4 positive feedback loop facilitates the progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Cell Death and Disease ◽

10.1038/s41419-021-03690-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (4) ◽

Author(s):

Jiwei Cheng ◽

Haibo Ma ◽

Ming Yan ◽

Wenqun Xing

Keyword(s):

Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽

Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽

Cell Carcinoma ◽

Squamous Cell ◽

Positive Feedback ◽

Feedback Loop ◽

Malignant Tumors ◽

Migration And Invasion ◽

Positive Feedback Loop

AbstractEsophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the digestive system with a high incidence and poor prognosis. Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNA) have been reported to be closely associated with the occurrence and development of various human cancers. Data from GSE89102 shows an increase of THAP9-AS1 expression in ESCC. However, its functions and mechanisms underlying ESCC progression remain to be investigated. In this study, we found that THAP9-AS1 was overexpressed in ESCC tissues and cells. High THAP9-AS1 expression was positively correlated with tumor size, TNM stage, lymph node metastasis, and worse prognosis. Functionally, depletion of THAP9-AS1 suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while enhanced apoptosis in vitro. Consistently, knockdown of THAP9-AS1 inhibited xenograft tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, THAP9-AS1 could serve as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR-133b, resulting in the upregulation of SOX4. Reciprocally, SOX4 bound to the promoter region of THAP9-AS1 to activate its transcription. Moreover, the anti-tumor property induced by THAP9-AS1 knockdown was significantly impaired due to miR-133b downregulation or SOX4 overexpression. Taken together, our study reveals a positive feedback loop of THAP9-AS1/miR-133b/SOX4 to facilitate ESCC progression, providing a potential molecular target to fight against ESCC.

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Cirsiliol targets tyrosine kinase 2 to inhibit esophageal squamous cell carcinoma growth in vitro and in vivo

Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research ◽

10.1186/s13046-021-01903-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 40 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Xuechao Jia ◽

Chuntian Huang ◽

Yamei Hu ◽

Qiong Wu ◽

Fangfang Liu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Proliferation ◽

Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽

Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽

Cell Carcinoma ◽

Squamous Cell ◽

Tumor Model ◽

Kinase Assay ◽

Tyrosine Kinase 2

Abstract Background Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is an aggressive and lethal cancer with a low 5 year survival rate. Identification of new therapeutic targets and its inhibitors remain essential for ESCC prevention and treatment. Methods TYK2 protein levels were checked by immunohistochemistry. The function of TYK2 in cell proliferation was investigated by MTT [(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] and anchorage-independent cell growth. Computer docking, pull-down assay, surface plasmon resonance, and kinase assay were used to confirm the binding and inhibition of TYK2 by cirsiliol. Cell proliferation, western blot and patient-derived xenograft tumor model were used to determine the inhibitory effects and mechanism of cirsiliol in ESCC. Results TYK2 was overexpressed and served as an oncogene in ESCC. Cirsiliol could bind with TYK2 and inhibit its activity, thereby decreasing dimer formation and nucleus localization of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Cirsiliol could inhibit ESCC growth in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions TYK2 is a potential target in ESCC, and cirsiliol could inhibit ESCC by suppression of TYK2.

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MicroRNA Expression Profiles in Superficial Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma before Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection: A Pilot Study

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22094789 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (9) ◽

pp. 4789

Author(s):

Shintaro Fujihara ◽

Hideki Kobara ◽

Noriko Nishiyama ◽

Kayo Hirose ◽

Hisakazu Iwama ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽

Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽

Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection ◽

Cell Carcinoma ◽

Squamous Cell ◽

Mirna Expression ◽

Expression Profiles ◽

Normal Tissues ◽

Mirna Expression Profiles

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) has a poor prognosis when diagnosed at an advanced stage, and early detection and treatment are essential to improve survival. However, intraobserver and interobserver variation make the diagnosis of superficial ESCC difficult, and suitable biomarkers are urgently needed. Here, we compared the microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles of superficial ESCC tissues and adjacent normal tissues obtained immediately before esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection. We found that ESCC and normal tissues differed in their miRNA expression profiles. In particular, miR-21-5p and miR-146b-5p were significantly upregulated and miR-210-3p was significantly downregulated in tumor tissues compared with normal tissues. We also detected significant associations between miRNA expression and ESCC invasion depth and lymphovascular invasion. The same differential expression of miR-21-5p, miR-146b-5p, and miR-210-3p was detected in ESCC cell lines compared with normal esophageal epithelial cells in vitro. However, transfection of ESCC cells with miR-210-3p and miR-21-5p mimics or inhibitors had partial effects on cell proliferation and invasion in vitro. These results indicate that miRNA expression is significantly deregulated in superficial ESCC, and suggest that the potential contribution of differentially expressed miRNAs to the malignant phenotype should be further investigated.

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CXCL6 fuels the growth and metastases of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells both in vitro and in vivo through upregulation of PD‐L1 via activation of STAT3 pathway

Journal of Cellular Physiology ◽

10.1002/jcp.30236 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Shutao Zheng ◽

Tongxue Shen ◽

Qing Liu ◽

Tao Liu ◽

Aerziguli Tuerxun ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽

Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽

Cell Carcinoma ◽

Squamous Cell ◽

Carcinoma Cells ◽

Stat3 Pathway

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LncRNA GHET1 Promotes Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells Proliferation and Invasion via Induction of EMT

The International Journal of Biological Markers ◽

10.5301/ijbm.5000304 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 32 (4) ◽

pp. 403-408 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

Hongfen Liu ◽

Qiang Zhen ◽

Yakun Fan

Keyword(s):

Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽

Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽

Cell Carcinoma ◽

Squamous Cell ◽

Noncoding Rna ◽

In Vitro Assays ◽

Migration And Invasion ◽

Advanced Tumor

Background Recent studies have shown that long noncoding RNA (IncRNA) gastric carcinoma highly expressed transcript 1 (GHET1) was involved in the progression of tumors. However, the role of GHET1 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unclear. Methods The expression of IncRNA GHET1 was examined in 55 paired ESCC tissues and adjacent nontumor tissues. Molecular and cellular techniques were used to explore the role of GHET1 on ESCC cells. Results Our data showed that GHET1 expression was significantly increased in ESCC tissues and cell lines. High GHET1 expression in ESCC tissues was significantly associated with poor differentiation, advanced tumor nodes metastasis stage, and lymph node metastasis. GHET1 showed high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing ESCC. Our data from in vitro assays showed that GHET1 inhibition suppressed ESCC cells proliferation, migration, and invasion, and induced cells apoptosis. Furthermore, western blot showed that GHET1 inhibition significantly decreased the expression of vimentin and N-cadherin while it increased the expression of E-cadherin. Conclusions Our study indicates that GHET1 acts as an oncogene in ESCC and may represent a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of ESCC patients.

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Long Non-Coding RNA CCAT2 Promotes the Development of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Inhibiting miR-200b to Upregulate the IGF2BP2/TK1 Axis

Frontiers in Oncology ◽

10.3389/fonc.2021.680642 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 ◽

Author(s):

Xiaodan Wu ◽

Yihui Fan ◽

Yupeng Liu ◽

Biao Shen ◽

Haimin Lu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽

Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽

Cell Carcinoma ◽

Squamous Cell ◽

Luciferase Reporter ◽

Migration And Invasion ◽

Clinical Samples ◽

Non Coding Rna

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to play important roles in human cancers, including esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). In the current study, we identified CCAT2 as a relevant lncRNA and investigated its role in the progression of ESCC. RT-qPCR was adopted to detect CCAT2 expression in collected clinical samples, ESCC cell lines, and a normal cell line. We tested the correlation between CCAT2 expression and the prognosis of ESCC. RT-qPCR or immunoblotting was adopted to detect the expression of relevant factors in ESCC tissues or cells. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were examined by colony formation assay, flow cytometry, scratch assay, and Transwell assay, respectively, while subcutaneous tumorigenesis in nude mice was adopted to examine the role of CCAT2 in tumorigenesis of ESCC cells in vivo. Bioinformatics analysis, dual luciferase reporter assay, and RIP were conducted for the target relationship profiling. Me-RIP was adopted to detect m6A modification level of TK1 in ESCC tissues or cells. Upregulated CCAT2, IGF2BP2, and TK1 expression and inhibited miR-200b expression were observed in ESCC cells and tissues. CCAT2 bound to miR-200b and reduced its expression, leading to upregulated IGF2BP2 expression. IGF2BP2 improved TK1 mRNA stability to enhance its expression by recognizing its m6A modification. CCAT2 promoted the migration and invasion of ESCC cells in vitro, and tumorigenesis in vivo by upregulating TK1 expression, while overexpression of miR-200b reversed these effects of CCAT2. Overall, this study suggests that CCAT2 competitively binds to miR-200b to alleviate its inhibitory effects on IGF2BP2 expression, resulting in elevated TK1 expression, and an ensuing promotion of the development of ESCC.

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