MAFB promotes the malignant phenotypes by IGFBP6 in esophageal squamous cell carcinomas

Exp Cell Res. 2022 Jul 1;416(1):113158. doi: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2022.113158. Epub 2022 Apr 14.

Abstract

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common malignant diseases in the world. Although the somatic alterations have been fully identified, there are still no targeted drugs at present. Our previous studies revealed that loss of grand H3K27me3 domains mediated transcriptional activation of a series of genes in ESCC. Among them, we focus on the investigation of MAFB, as its high expression is associated with a poor prognosis in ESCC. Functional assays show that knockdown of MAFB significantly suppresses cell growth, migration and invasion. Mechanistic investigation demonstrates that MAFB exerts its function by upregulating IGFBP6. Our findings suggest that MAFB may play a tumor-promoting role and may act as a potential therapeutic target for ESCC.

Keywords: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC); H3K27me3; IGFBP6; MAFB.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell* / pathology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement / genetics
  • Cell Proliferation / genetics
  • Esophageal Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma* / genetics
  • Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma* / pathology
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / genetics
  • Humans
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 6
  • MafB Transcription Factor / genetics
  • MafB Transcription Factor / metabolism
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness / genetics
  • Phenotype

Substances

  • MAFB protein, human
  • MafB Transcription Factor
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 6