Deferasirox Targets TAOK1 to Induce p53-Mediated Apoptosis in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

ABSTRACT: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a highly aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis and limited effective treatment options. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of Deferasirox (DFO), an iron chelator, in ESCC by targeting TAOK1, an STE20-type kinase implicated in cancer development. We demonstrate that DFO significantly inhibits the proliferation and colony formation of ESCC cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Mechanistic investigations reveal that DFO binds directly to TAOK1 and reduces its kinase activity. Proteomics and phosphorylated proteomic sequencing analysis further reveal that TAOK1 knocking down dramatically increased p53-mediated apoptosis. Moreover, the inhibition of TAOK1 by DFO or lenti-virus infection induces apoptosis in ESCC cells, as e

SUBMITTER: Li B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11855378 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature