Identification of POU4F1 as a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Li, Nan1,5; Chen, Siying2; Wang, Xiao3; Zhang, Boqing3; Zeng, Boning3,4; Sun, Chao3,4; Zheng, Kai1; Chen, Qiuling3; Wang, Shaoxiang1

2024-08-09

10.1186/s12935-024-03471-6

CANCER CELL INTERNATIONAL   影响因子和分区

1475-2867

BackgroundEsophageal cancer is a significant global health concern, ranking seventh in incidence and sixth in mortality. It encompasses two pathological types: esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and esophageal adenocarcinoma, with ESCC being more prevalent globally and associated with higher mortality rates. The POU (Pit-Oct-Unc) domain family transcription factors, comprising 15 members, play important roles in embryonic development and organ formation. Aberrant expression of POUs has been observed in several human cancers, influencing cell proliferation, tumor invasion, and drug resistance. However, their specific role in ESCC remains unknown.MethodsWe analyzed TCGA and GEO databases to assess POUs expression in ESCC tissues. Kaplan-Meier and ROC analyses were used to evaluate the prognostic value of POUs. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis and Protein-Protein interaction network were used to explore the potential pathway. Functional assays (Cell Counting Kit-8, EdU Staining assay, and cloning formation assay) and mechanism analyses (RNA-seq, flow cytometry, and Western blot) were conducted to determine the effects of POU4F1 knockdown on ESCC cell phenotypes and signaling pathways.ResultsPOU4F1 and POU6F2 were upregulated in various cancer tissues, including ESCC, compared to normal tissues. POU4F1 expression was significantly correlated with patient survival and superior to previous models (AUC = 0.776). Knockdown of POU4F1 inhibited ESCC cell proliferation and affected cell cycle, autophagy, and DNA damage pathways in ESCC cells.ConclusionPOU4F1 is a novel and promising prognostic and therapeutic target for ESCC patients, providing insights into potential treatment strategies.

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma Cell cycle Prognostic biomarker Therapeutic target

SCI

英语

其他

Oncology

Oncology

WOS:001288123100001

BMC

Web of Science

1.Shenzhen Univ, Med Sch, Sch Pharm, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, Peoples R China
2.China Pharmaceut Univ, Sch Basic Med & Clin Pharm, Nanjing, Peoples R China
3.Southern Univ Sci & Technol, Jinan Univ, Affiliated Hosp 1,Clin Med Coll 2, Shenzhen Peoples Hosp,Dept Pharm, Shenzhen 518020, Guangdong, Peoples R China
4.Jinan Univ, Integrated Chinese & Western Med Postdoctoral Res, Guangzhou 510632, Peoples R China
5.Shantou Univ, Canc Hosp, Med Coll, Dept Pharm, Shantou, Peoples R China

Li, Nan,Chen, Siying,Wang, Xiao,et al. Identification of POU4F1 as a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma[J]. CANCER CELL INTERNATIONAL,2024,24(1).

Li, Nan.,Chen, Siying.,Wang, Xiao.,Zhang, Boqing.,Zeng, Boning.,...&Wang, Shaoxiang.(2024).Identification of POU4F1 as a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.CANCER CELL INTERNATIONAL,24(1).

Li, Nan,et al."Identification of POU4F1 as a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma".CANCER CELL INTERNATIONAL 24.1(2024).