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Open Access 01-12-2023 | Hepatocellular Carcinoma | Research

MLXIPL promotes the migration, invasion, and glycolysis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by phosphorylation of mTOR

Authors: Xiaowei Chang, Chang Tian, Yuanyuan Jia, Yu Cai, Pu Yan

Published in: BMC Cancer | Issue 1/2023

Abstract

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with a high occurrence, mortality, and poor prognosis. MLX interacting protein like (MLXIPL) is an important regulator of glucolipid metabolism and is involved in tumor progression. We aimed to clarify the role of MLXIPL in HCC and its underlying mechanisms.

Methods

The level of MLXIPL was predicted using bioinformatic analysis and verified using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), immunohistochemical analysis, and western blot. We assessed the effects of MLXIPL on biological behaviors using the cell counting kit-8, colony formation, and Transwell assay. Glycolysis was evaluated using the Seahorse method. The interaction between MLXIPL and mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase (mTOR) was confirmed using RNA immunoprecipitation and co-immunoprecipitation. mTOR expression was detected in HCC cells using qPCR, immunofluorescence analysis, and western blot.

Results

The results showed that MLXIPL levels were elevated in both HCC tissues and HCC cell lines. Knockdown of MLXIPL impeded HCC cell growth, invasion, migration, and glycolysis. Moreover, MLXIPL combined with mTOR to induce phosphorylation of mTOR. Activated mTOR abrogated the effects on cellular processes induced by MLXIPL.

Conclusion

MLXIPL promoted the malignant progression of HCC by activating phosphorylation of mTOR, suggesting an important role of the combination of MLXIPL and mTOR in HCC.

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Title: MLXIPL promotes the migration, invasion, and glycolysis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by phosphorylation of mTOR
Authors: Xiaowei Chang
Chang Tian
Yuanyuan Jia
Yu Cai
Pu Yan
Publication date: 01-12-2023
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Published in: BMC Cancer / Issue 1/2023
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2407
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-023-10652-5

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Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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