The CBS-H₂S axis promotes liver metastasis of colon cancer by upregulating VEGF through AP-1 activation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The main therapy for colon cancer with liver metastasis is chemotherapy based on 5-fluorouracil combined with targeted drugs. However, acquired drug resistance and severe adverse reactions limit patients' benefit from standard chemotherapy. Here, we investigate the involvement of endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) in liver metastasis of colon cancer and its potential value as a novel therapeutic target.

Methods

We used the CRISPR/Cas9 system to knockdown CBS gene expression in colon cancer cell lines. PCR arrays and proteome arrays were applied to detect the transcription and protein expression levels, respectively, of angiogenesis-related genes after knockdown. The molecular mechanism was investigated by western blot analysis, RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence staining, ChIP assays and dual-luciferase reporter assays. A liver metastasis mouse model was adopted to investigate the effect of targeting CBS on tumour metastasis in vivo.

Results

Knockdown of CBS decreased the metastasis and invasion of colon cancer cells and inhibited angiogenesis both in vivo and in vitro. Tissue microarray analysis showed a positive correlation between CBS and VEGF expression in colon cancer tissues. Further analysis at the molecular level validated a positive feedback loop between the CBS-H₂S axis and VEGF.

Conclusions

Endogenous H₂S promotes angiogenesis and metastasis in colon cancer, and targeting the positive feedback loop between the CBS-H₂S axis and VEGF can effectively intervene in liver metastasis of colon cancer.

SUBMITTER: Guo S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8979992 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature