Jiannan Xu, Songyao Chen, Tengfei Hao, Guangyao Liu, Kai Zhang, Changhua Zhang, Yulong He
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: Mex-3 RNA binding family members are well-established to be important in cancer development and progression. However, the functions of Mex-3 RNA binding family member A (MEX3A) in colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis remain poorly understood. In this study, we aim to reveal the function and the mechanism of MEX3A in promoting CRC metastasis.
Methods: We used multiple databases including TCGA database, UALCAN, LinkedOmics, CancerSEA, GeneMANIA and STRING database to investigate the expression, the functions and underlying molecular mechanism of MEX3A in CRC. Multiple experimental methods were adapted to determine the study, including real-time PCR (qPCR), immunohistochemistry (IHC), western blot (WB), transfection, transwell migration and invasion assays, immunofluorescence (IF).
Results: We found that MEX3A was significantly upregulated and correlated to tumor stage and lymph nodal metastasis in CRC through bioinformatics analysis and tissue immunohistochemistry (IHC). The higher expression of MEX3A in CRC correlated with poor recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). In vitro studies showed that knockdown of MEX3A suppressed EMT transition, invasion and metastasis of CRC cells. Mechanistically, we revealed that MEX3A promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion and metastasis of CRC cells by upregulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Conclusion: In conclusion, our study reveals that MEX3A promotes CRC migration, invasion and EMT via regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and could be a novel therapeutic target for this patient population.
期刊介绍:
The "Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology" publishes significant and up-to-date articles within the fields of experimental and clinical oncology. The journal, which is chiefly devoted to Original papers, also includes Reviews as well as Editorials and Guest editorials on current, controversial topics. The section Letters to the editors provides a forum for a rapid exchange of comments and information concerning previously published papers and topics of current interest. Meeting reports provide current information on the latest results presented at important congresses.
The following fields are covered: carcinogenesis - etiology, mechanisms; molecular biology; recent developments in tumor therapy; general diagnosis; laboratory diagnosis; diagnostic and experimental pathology; oncologic surgery; and epidemiology.