Enhanced ZNF521 expression induces an aggressive phenotype in human ovarian carcinoma cell lines

PLoS One. 2022 Oct 3;17(10):e0274785. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274785. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

Epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) is the most lethal gynecological tumor, that almost inevitably relapses and develops chemo-resistance. A better understanding of molecular events underlying the biological behavior of this tumor, as well as identification of new biomarkers and therapeutic targets are the prerequisite to improve its clinical management. ZNF521 gene amplifications are present in >6% of OCs and its overexpression is associated with poor prognosis, suggesting that it may play an important role in OC. Increased ZNF521 expression resulted in an enhancement of OC HeyA8 and ES-2 cell growth and motility. Analysis of RNA isolated from transduced cells by RNA-Seq and qRT-PCR revealed that several genes involved in growth, proliferation, migration and tumor invasiveness are differentially expressed following increased ZNF521 expression. The data illustrate a novel biological role of ZNF521 in OC that, thanks to the early and easy detection by RNA-Seq, can be used as biomarker for identification and treatment of OC patients.

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma* / genetics
  • Carcinoma* / pathology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement / genetics
  • Cell Proliferation / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins* / genetics
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / genetics
  • Ovarian Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Ovarian Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Phenotype
  • RNA
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Transcription Factors
  • zinc finger protein 521, human
  • RNA

Grants and funding

AIRC Foundation for Cancer Research (Grant No. IG-23068); Regione Campania (POR Campania FESR 2014/2020, Azione 1.5, GENOMAeSALUTE Project, CUP: B41C17000080007); and POR CALABRIA FESR 2014/2020. The funders and sponsors did not play a role in the study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.