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Updated: May 27, 2026
A Simple Bioassay for the Evaluation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
Published on: March 15, 2016
The effects of vascular endothelial growth factor C knockdown in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Hongxin Zhang1, Yuhui Yin, Lan Zhang
1Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
Purpose:
We investigated the role of vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) by knocking down VEGF-C expression in the ESCC cell line EC9706.
Methods:
Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization techniques were used to detect the expression of VEGF-C expression in ESCC tissues. We also investigated the relationship between VEGF-C expression and lymph node metastasis. We designed a siRNA expression plasmid for VEGF-C and transfected it into EC9706 cells. Stable clones were selected, and VEGF-C expression was analyzed by RT-PCR and western blotting. Cells were inoculated into nude mice. The expression of VEGF-C in the resulting tumors was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization.
Results:
VEGF-C is highly expressed in ESCC and correlated with lymph node metastasis, as high levels were observed in patients presenting with lymph node metastases relative to those who did not (P < 0.01). Transfection with VEGF-C-siRNA decreased the expression of VEGF-C mRNA and protein. ESCC cells stably transfected with VEGF-C-siRNA expressed very low levels of VEGF-C (P < 0.01 compared with control). This knockdown effect persisted when the cells were inoculated into nude mice and allowed to form tumors.
Conclusions:
The siRNA-targeted knockdown of VEGF-C led to a significant reduction in VEGF-C expression. This siRNA technique could be used for gene therapy in ESCC.
Insights
Vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) is highly expressed in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and linked to metastasis. Knocking down VEGF-C significantly reduced its expression, suggesting potential for gene therapy in ESCC.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a significant global health concern.
- Vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) is implicated in tumor angiogenesis and metastasis.
- Understanding VEGF-C's role in ESCC is crucial for developing targeted therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).
- To assess the feasibility of targeting VEGF-C expression using siRNA in ESCC.
- To determine the correlation between VEGF-C expression and lymph node metastasis in ESCC.
Main Methods:
- Detection of VEGF-C expression in ESCC tissues using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization.
- Correlation analysis between VEGF-C expression levels and lymph node metastasis status.
- Design and transfection of a small interfering RNA (siRNA) expression plasmid targeting VEGF-C into the EC9706 ESCC cell line.
- Validation of VEGF-C knockdown at mRNA and protein levels using RT-PCR and western blotting.
- Assessment of tumor formation and VEGF-C expression in vivo using a nude mouse xenograft model.
Main Results:
- VEGF-C was found to be highly expressed in ESCC tissues and significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis (P < 0.01).
- Successful knockdown of VEGF-C mRNA and protein was achieved in EC9706 cells stably transfected with VEGF-C-siRNA (P < 0.01 compared to control).
- The reduced VEGF-C expression persisted in tumors formed by these transfected cells in nude mice.
Conclusions:
- Targeted knockdown of VEGF-C using siRNA effectively reduces its expression in ESCC.
- VEGF-C plays a significant role in ESCC, particularly in relation to lymph node metastasis.
- The siRNA-based approach for VEGF-C knockdown shows promise as a potential gene therapy strategy for ESCC.
