MEX3A is upregulated in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and promotes development and progression of ESCC through targeting CDK6.

ABSTRACT: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed malignant tumors worldwide and identified as a serious threat to human health. The role of MEX3A in ESCC remains unclear. In this study, we found that MEX3A was upregulated in tumor tissues of ESCC and positively associated with more advanced tumor stage, higher risk of lymphatic metastasis and poor prognosis. The downregulation of MEX3A in ESCC cell lines could induce inhibition of cell proliferation, colony formation, cell migration, and the promotion of cell apoptosis, while MEX3A overexpression exhibited opposite effects. In vivo experiments also verified the inhibition of ESCC induced by MEX3A knockdown. Moreover, we identified CDK6 as a potential target of MEX3A, which was also upregulated in ESCC.

SUBMITTER: Wei L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7695430 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature