Hongjie Cai, Song Chen, Shuangyan Tang, Feng Shi, Dan Zeng, Zhiqiang Wu, Fan Wang, Shuqin Huang, Dongbing Li, Wenbo Guo
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality due to delayed diagnosis and poor prognosis. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are key cancer regulators, yet the role of C1orf21-DT (PIG13-DT) in HCC remains unclear.
Methods: We evaluated PIG13-DT expression in HCC and paired adjacent non-tumorous tissues. Functional studies were conducted using cell culture, cell-derived xenotransplantation (CDX) models, and molecular techniques including RNA pull-down, mass spectrometry, RIP-qPCR, and RNA sequencing. We explored the interplay between PIG13-DT, RNA-binding protein YBX3, and USP15 mRNA.
Results: PIG13-DT was highly expressed in HCC tissues compared with normal tissues and associated with poor prognosis. Functionally, PIG13-DT enhanced cancer stem cell (CSC) function, reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and promoted HCC cell proliferation and migration. Mechanistically, PIG13-DT interacted with YBX3, stabilizing YBX3 and promoting USP15 mRNA translation and stability, thus driving HCC progression. Clinical data from lenvatinib-treated HCC patients showed that PIG13-DT expression was correlated with poor treatment response.
Conclusion: Our study identifies a novel PIG13-DT/YBX3/USP15 axis driving HCC progression, suggesting PIG13-DT as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target. This work provides new insights into HCC molecular mechanisms and offers potential diagnostic and therapeutic implications.
期刊介绍:
Cancer, the second leading cause of death, is a heterogenous group of over 100 diseases. Cancer is characterized by disordered and deregulated cellular and stromal proliferation accompanied by reduced cell death with the ability to survive under stresses of nutrient and growth factor deprivation, hypoxia, and loss of cell-to-cell contacts. At the molecular level, cancer is a genetic disease that develops due to the accumulation of mutations over time in somatic cells. The phenotype includes genomic instability and chromosomal aneuploidy that allows for acceleration of genetic change. Malignant transformation and tumor progression of any cell requires immortalization, loss of checkpoint control, deregulation of growth, and survival. A tremendous amount has been learned about the numerous cellular and molecular genetic changes and the host-tumor interactions that accompany tumor development and progression. It is the goal of the field of Molecular Oncology to use this knowledge to understand cancer pathogenesis and drug action, as well as to develop more effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for cancer. This includes preventative strategies as well as approaches to treat metastases. With the availability of the human genome sequence and genomic and proteomic approaches, a wealth of tools and resources are generating even more information. The challenge will be to make biological sense out of the information, to develop appropriate models and hypotheses and to translate information for the clinicians and the benefit of their patients. Cancer Biology & Therapy aims to publish original research on the molecular basis of cancer, including articles with translational relevance to diagnosis or therapy. We will include timely reviews covering the broad scope of the journal. The journal will also publish op-ed pieces and meeting reports of interest. The goal is to foster communication and rapid exchange of information through timely publication of important results using traditional as well as electronic formats. The journal and the outstanding Editorial Board will strive to maintain the highest standards for excellence in all activities to generate a valuable resource.