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Comparing Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Model Established in Mouse Kidney and on Chicken Chorioallantoic Membrane
Published on: February 8, 2020
Engrailed-2 might play an anti-oncogenic role in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma
Cai-Yong Lai1,2, Yin Xu1, Gan-Shen Yu1
1Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, No. 613 Huang Pu Rd, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
Abstract:
Our preliminary study indicated that Engrailed-2 (EN2) is downregulated but also ectopically expressed in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC), and the absence of EN2 expression was associated with poor histological grade. However, the specific roles of EN2 in CCRCC have yet to be elucidated. In the present study, we examined the effects of inhibiting EN2 expression by human renal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) and overexpressing EN2 by human clear-cell renal cells (786-O). Results showed that EN2 inhibition accelerated HK-2 cell proliferation, shortened the cell cycle, reduced apoptosis, and acted more invasively. By contrast, EN2 overexpression in 786-O cells decelerated the proliferative ability of 786-O, increased the percentage of cell apoptosis, and weakened the invasive ability. Overall, the results demonstrated that EN2 might play an anti-oncogenic role in oncogenesis and development of CCRCC, thereby maintaining the normal growth of human renal tubular epithelial cells.
Insights
Engrailed-2 (EN2) acts as a tumor suppressor in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC). Inhibiting EN2 promotes cancer cell growth and invasion, while its overexpression has the opposite effect.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Engrailed-2 (EN2) shows altered expression in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC).
- EN2 downregulation correlates with poor histological grade in CCRCC.
- The precise function of EN2 in CCRCC tumorigenesis remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Engrailed-2 (EN2) in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC).
- To determine the effects of EN2 inhibition and overexpression on renal cell behavior.
Main Methods:
- Human renal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) were treated to inhibit EN2 expression.
- Human clear-cell renal cells (786-O) were genetically modified to overexpress EN2.
- Cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, and invasion assays were performed.
Main Results:
- EN2 inhibition in HK-2 cells led to increased proliferation, shorter cell cycles, reduced apoptosis, and enhanced invasion.
- EN2 overexpression in 786-O cells resulted in decreased proliferation, increased apoptosis, and reduced invasion.
- These findings suggest EN2 influences key cancer hallmarks.
Conclusions:
- Engrailed-2 (EN2) functions as an anti-oncogene in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC).
- EN2 plays a role in maintaining normal renal tubular epithelial cell growth.
- EN2 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for CCRCC.
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