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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Primary research

CTCF-silenced miR-137 contributes to EMT and radioresistance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Authors: Shuwen Xu, Xiaofeng Li, Longfei Li, Yufeng Wang, Chong Geng, Feng Guo, Tao Zhang, Aonan Du, Zhiwei Lu, Hua Hui, Qiang Wang

Published in: Cancer Cell International | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most malignant tumors in gastrointestinal system. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to be implicated in cancer development. However, the role of miR-137 has not been fully revealed in ESCC.

Methods

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot analyses were separately used to examine RNA level and protein level. 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay, transwell assays and flow cytometry analyses were conducted to assess biological behaviors of ESCC cells. Additionally, the interaction between genes were analyzed via Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay, RNA Binding Protein Immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay, RNA pull down assay and luciferase reporter assay.

Results

MiR-137 was down-regulated in ESCC cells. Upregulation of miR-137 hindered ESCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). Besides, miR-137 enhanced the sensitivity of ESCC cells to irradiation. Moreover, CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) inactivated miR-137 transcription in ESCC cells. Furthermore, we revealed enhancer of zeste 2 polycomb repressive complex 2 subunit (EZH2) and paxillin (PXN) as the downstream targets of miR-137. In turn, EZH2 was recruited by CTCF and induced methylation in miR-137 promoter.

Conclusion

CTCF/Suz12/EZH2 complex-silenced miR-137 facilitates ESCC progression and radioresistance by targeting EZH2 and PXN.

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Title: CTCF-silenced miR-137 contributes to EMT and radioresistance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Shuwen Xu
Xiaofeng Li
Longfei Li
Yufeng Wang
Chong Geng
Feng Guo
Tao Zhang
Aonan Du
Zhiwei Lu
Hua Hui
Qiang Wang
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Cancer Cell International / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1475-2867
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12935-020-01740-8

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