RUNX1 knockdown induced apoptosis and impaired EMT in high-grade serous ovarian cancer cells

J Transl Med. 2023 Dec 6;21(1):886. doi: 10.1186/s12967-023-04762-8.

Abstract

Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecologic illnesses worldwide. High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is a gynecological tumor that accounts for roughly 70% of ovarian cancer deaths in women. Runt-related transcription factor 1(RUNX1) proteins were identified with overexpression in the HGSOC. However, the roles of RUNX1 in the development of HGSOC are poorly understood. In this study, combined with whole-transcriptome analysis and multiple research methods, RUNX1 was identified as vital in developing HGSOC. RUNX1 knockdown inhibits the physiological function of ovarian cancer cells and regulates apoptosis through the FOXO1-Bcl2 axis. Down-regulated RUNX1 impairs EMT function through the EGFR-AKT-STAT3 axis signaling. In addition, RUNX1 knockdown can significantly increase the sensitivity to clinical drug therapy for ovarian cancer. It is strongly suggested that RUNX1 work as a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target for HGSOC patients with better prognoses and treatment options. It is possible to generate novel potential targeted therapy strategies and translational applications for serous ovarian carcinoma patients with better clinical outcomes.

Keywords: Apoptosis; Clinical therapeutic target; EMT; High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC); Runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1).

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis / genetics
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Core Binding Factor Alpha 2 Subunit* / genetics
  • Core Binding Factor Alpha 2 Subunit* / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ovarian Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Prognosis

Substances

  • Core Binding Factor Alpha 2 Subunit
  • RUNX1 protein, human