MiR326 maturation is crucial for VEGF-C-driven cortactin expression and esophageal cancer progression

Chih Chen Hong, Pai Sheng Chen, Jean Chiou, Ching Feng Chiu, Ching Yao Yang, Michael Hsiao, Yi Wen Chang, Yang Hao Yu, Mien Chie Hung, Nai Wen Hsu, Shine Gwo Shiah, Nan Yung Hsu, Jen Liang Su

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

31 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Esophageal cancer is an aggressive human malignancy with increasing incidence in the developed world. VEGF-C makes crucial contributions to esophageal cancer progression that are not well understood. Here, we report the discovery of regulatory relationship in esophageal cancers between the expression of VEGF-C and cortactin (CTTN), a regulator of the cortical actin cytoskeleton. Upregulation of CTTN expression by VEGF-C enhanced the invasive properties of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in vitro and tumor metastasis in vivo. Mechanistic investigations showed that VEGF-C increased CTTN expression by downregulating Dicer-mediated maturation of miR326, thereby relieving the suppressive effect of miR326 on CTTN expression. Clinically, expression of Dicer and miR326 correlated with poor prognosis in patients with esophageal cancer. Our findings offer insights into how VEGF-C enhances the robust invasive and metastatic properties of esophageal cancer, which has potential implications for the development of new biomarkers or therapies in this setting.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)6280-6290
Number of pages11
JournalCancer Research
Volume74
Issue number21
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014 Nov 1

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

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