Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026
Development of Compendium for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Published on: April 12, 2024
[Screening and identification of anoikis-resistant gene UBCH7 in esophageal cancer cells]
Yang Yang1, Bo-Shi Wang, Xiao-Min Wang
1Department of Histology and Embryology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China. yang95618373@163.com
Abstract:
Anoikis is a kind of programmed cell death induced by loss of extracellular matrix (ECM) adhesion, which is one of key factors for homestasis. Resistance to anoikis is required for tumor cell metastasis. We have previously shown several anoikis-resistance genes in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). In order to find novel anoikis-resistant genes in ESCC, we constructed retroviral cDNA library using total RNA from ESCC cell lines. NIH 3T3 cells, which are sensitive to anoikis, were infected with the library constructed. The cells were cultured in soft agar, and the clones which can survive in detached states were selected. The cDNAs inserted into the anoikis-resistant NIH3T3 clones were amplified using retroviral specific primers. Sequencing analysis showed that a cDNA fragment inserted into the anoikis-resistant clone contains full coding sequence (ORF) of human UBCH7/UBE2L3 gene. By infection with retrovirus encoding UBCH7 ORF (pMSCV-UBCH7), forced expression of UBCH7 increased the anoikis-resistance of NIH3T3 cells. More importantly, knockdown of UBCH7 expression by siRNA transfection reduced the anoikis-resistant ability of esophageal cancer MLuC1 cells. The data suggest that UBCH7/UBE2L3 gene would be involved in anoikis-resistance in ESCC.
Insights
Resistance to anoikis, a programmed cell death, is crucial for cancer metastasis. Researchers identified the UBCH7/UBE2L3 gene as a novel anoikis-resistance factor in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
- Cell Death Studies
Background:
- Anoikis, a form of programmed cell death, is triggered by the loss of cell-extracellular matrix adhesion.
- Resistance to anoikis is a critical mechanism enabling tumor cell metastasis.
- Previous studies identified several anoikis-resistance genes in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel anoikis-resistance genes in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).
- To investigate the role of the UBCH7/UBE2L3 gene in anoikis resistance.
Main Methods:
- Construction of a retroviral cDNA library from ESCC cell lines.
- Infection of anoikis-sensitive NIH 3T3 cells with the library and selection of surviving clones in soft agar.
- Identification of inserted cDNAs via sequencing and functional validation through gene overexpression and knockdown experiments.
Main Results:
- Sequencing identified the human UBCH7/UBE2L3 gene's full coding sequence in anoikis-resistant clones.
- Forced expression of UBCH7 enhanced anoikis resistance in NIH 3T3 cells.
- Knockdown of UBCH7 reduced anoikis resistance in esophageal cancer MLuC1 cells.
Conclusions:
- The UBCH7/UBE2L3 gene plays a significant role in anoikis resistance.
- UBCH7/UBE2L3 is implicated as a novel anoikis-resistance factor in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).
- Targeting UBCH7/UBE2L3 may offer potential therapeutic strategies for ESCC metastasis.
