FSCN1 regulates TGF-β signalling to promote esophageal squamous cell carcinoma metastasis via stabilizing THBS1 mRNA.

ABSTRACT: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), the predominant histological subtype of esophageal cancer worldwide, is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Although Fascin actin-bundling protein 1 (FSCN1), an actin family member, is well-characterized for its role in facilitating tumor cell migration and invasion through cytoskeletal remodeling, its function as an RNA-binding protein remains poorly understood. Here we show that FSCN1 directly interacts with THBS1 mRNA via its RNA-binding capacity, with the binding localized to the coding sequence region. Functionally, FSCN1 stabilizes THBS1 transcripts to enhance protein expression, thereby activating TGF-β signaling to drive ESCC metastasis in vivo and in vitro, utilizing esophageal cancer cell lines and subcutaneous xenograft and lun

SUBMITTER: Qin D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12722763 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature