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Twist2 promotes kidney cancer cell proliferation and invasion by regulating ITGA6 and CD44 expression in the

Hao-Jie Zhang1, Jing Tao2, Lu Sheng2

  • 1Department of Urology, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China; Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.

Oncotargets and Therapy
|April 22, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Twist2, a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) protein, is upregulated in kidney cancer. It promotes tumor growth, proliferation, and metastasis by regulating ITGA6 and CD44 expression, offering a potential therapeutic target.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Twist2 is a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) protein implicated in tumorigenesis.
  • The specific role and mechanisms of Twist2 in human kidney cancer progression are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression and function of Twist2 in human kidney cancer.
  • To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms by which Twist2 influences kidney cancer development.

Main Methods:

  • Real-time PCR and Western blot to assess Twist2 expression in kidney cancer tissues and cells.
  • In vitro assays (Cell Count Kit-8, flow cytometry, wound healing, Transwell) to evaluate proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion.
  • In vivo studies to assess tumor growth.
  • Analysis of ITGA6 and CD44 expression following Twist2 knockdown.

Main Results:

  • Twist2 expression is significantly upregulated in human kidney cancer tissues compared to normal tissues.
  • Twist2 overexpression promotes kidney cancer cell proliferation, inhibits apoptosis, and enhances migration and invasion in vitro.
  • Twist2 promotes tumor growth in vivo.
  • Knockdown of Twist2 reduces ITGA6 and CD44 expression, suggesting their involvement in Twist2-mediated effects.

Conclusions:

  • Twist2 plays a crucial role in the progression of human kidney cancer.
  • Twist2 promotes kidney cancer cell migration and invasion, potentially through the regulation of ITGA6 and CD44.
  • Twist2 represents a potential therapeutic target for kidney cancer treatment.
Keywords:
CD44ITGA6Twist2kidney cancer

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