OTX1 promotes colorectal cancer progression through epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2014 Jan 31;444(1):1-5. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2013.12.125. Epub 2014 Jan 3.

Abstract

Orthodenticle homeobox 1 (OTX1), a transcription factor containing a bicoid-like homeodomain, plays a role in brain and sensory organ development. In this study, we report that OTX1 is overexpressed in human colorectal cancer (CRC) and OTX1 overexpression is associated with higher stage. Functional analyses reveal that overexpression of OTX1 results in accumulation of CRC cell proliferation and invasion in vitro and tumor growth in vivo, whereas ablation of OTX1 expression significantly inhibits the proliferative and invasive capability of CRC cells in vitro. Together, our results indicate that OTX1 is involved in human colon carcinogenesis and may serve as a potential therapeutic target for human colorectal cancer.

Keywords: Colorectal cancer; Epithelial-mesenchymal; Invasion; OTX1; Proliferation.

MeSH terms

  • Carcinogenesis / genetics
  • Carcinogenesis / metabolism
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Disease Progression
  • Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition / genetics*
  • Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition / physiology*
  • HCT116 Cells
  • Humans
  • Oncogenes
  • Otx Transcription Factors / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Otx Transcription Factors / genetics*
  • Otx Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • RNA, Neoplasm / genetics
  • RNA, Neoplasm / metabolism
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics
  • Up-Regulation

Substances

  • OTX1 protein, human
  • Otx Transcription Factors
  • RNA, Messenger
  • RNA, Neoplasm
  • RNA, Small Interfering