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Published on: May 9, 2020
Galectin-9 suppresses the proliferation of gastric cancer cells in vitro
Jitsuko Takano1, Asahiro Morishita1, Shintaro Fujihara1
1Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University School of Medicine, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan.
Abstract:
Gastric cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, and the prognosis of advanced gastric cancer remains poor. Galectin-9 (Gal-9) is a tandem-repeat-type galectin that has recently been demonstrated to exert anti-proliferative effects on various types of cancer cells. The aim of our present study was to evaluate the effects of Gal-9 on human gastric cancer cells and the expression levels of microRNAs (miRNAs) associated with the antitumor effects of Gal-9 in vitro. In our initial experiments, Gal-9 suppressed the proliferation of gastric cancer cell lines in vitro. Our data further revealed that Gal-9 increased caspase-cleaved keratin 18 (CCK18) levels in gastric cancer cells. Additionally, Gal-9 reduced the phosphorylation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 (VEGFR-3) and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R). Furthermore, miRNA expression levels were markedly altered with Gal-9 treatment in vitro. In conclusion, Gal-9 suppressed the proliferation of human gastric cancer cells by inducing apoptosis. These findings suggest that Gal-9 could be a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of gastric cancer.
Insights
Galectin-9 (Gal-9) inhibits human gastric cancer cell growth by inducing apoptosis. This protein shows potential as a novel therapeutic target for gastric cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Gastric cancer is a leading cause of cancer mortality globally, with poor outcomes for advanced stages.
- Galectin-9 (Gal-9), a tandem-repeat galectin, exhibits anti-proliferative properties in various cancer types.
- Understanding Gal-9's role in gastric cancer is crucial for developing new therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anti-proliferative effects of Galectin-9 (Gal-9) on human gastric cancer cells in vitro.
- To analyze the impact of Gal-9 on microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles in gastric cancer cells.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying Gal-9's potential antitumor activity.
Main Methods:
- Treatment of human gastric cancer cell lines with Galectin-9 (Gal-9) in vitro.
- Assessment of cell proliferation and apoptosis markers, including caspase-cleaved keratin 18 (CCK18).
- Analysis of signaling pathways involving vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 (VEGFR-3) and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) phosphorylation.
- Profiling of microRNA (miRNA) expression changes following Gal-9 treatment.
Main Results:
- Galectin-9 (Gal-9) significantly suppressed the proliferation of gastric cancer cell lines.
- Gal-9 treatment led to increased levels of caspase-cleaved keratin 18 (CCK18), indicating apoptosis induction.
- Gal-9 reduced the phosphorylation of VEGFR-3 and IGF-1R signaling pathways.
- Significant alterations in microRNA (miRNA) expression were observed after Gal-9 treatment.
Conclusions:
- Galectin-9 (Gal-9) effectively suppresses human gastric cancer cell proliferation through the induction of apoptosis.
- The observed modulation of VEGFR-3, IGF-1R, and miRNA expression suggests key pathways involved in Gal-9's action.
- Galectin-9 presents a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of gastric cancer.
