Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 12, 2026
A G-quadruplex DNA-affinity Approach for Purification of Enzymatically Active G4 Resolvase1
Published on: March 18, 2017
The novel G-quadruplex-containing long non-coding RNA GSEC antagonizes DHX36 and modulates colon cancer cell
K Matsumura1, Y Kawasaki1, M Miyamoto1
1Laboratory of Molecular and Genetic Information, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Bioscience, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are frequently dysregulated in a variety of human cancers. However, their biological roles in these cancers remain incompletely understood. In this study, we analyze the gene expression profiles of colon cancer tissues and identify a previously unannotated lncRNA, FLJ39051, that we term GSEC (G-quadruplex-forming sequence containing lncRNA), as a lncRNA that is upregulated in colorectal cancer. We further demonstrate that knockdown of GSEC results in the reduction of colon cancer cell motility. We also show that GSEC binds to the DEAH box polypeptide 36 (DHX36) RNA helicase via its G-quadruplex-forming sequence and inhibits DHX36 G-quadruplex unwinding activity. Moreover, knockdown of DHX36 restores the reduced migratory activity of colon cancer cells caused by GSEC knockdown. These results suggest that GSEC plays an important role in colon cancer cell migration by inhibiting the function of DHX36 via its G-quadruplex structure.
Insights
A novel long non-coding RNA, GSEC, is upregulated in colorectal cancer and promotes cancer cell migration by inhibiting the DHX36 RNA helicase. This finding offers new insights into colorectal cancer progression.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are increasingly recognized for their roles in cancer, but their specific functions in colorectal cancer are not fully understood.
- Dysregulation of lncRNAs is a common feature in various human malignancies, highlighting their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize novel lncRNAs involved in colorectal cancer pathogenesis.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which identified lncRNAs regulate cancer cell behavior, specifically focusing on cell motility.
Main Methods:
- Gene expression profiling of colon cancer tissues to identify differentially expressed lncRNAs.
- Functional assays, including knockdown experiments, to assess the impact of GSEC on colon cancer cell motility.
- Biochemical assays to investigate the interaction between GSEC and DHX36 RNA helicase and its effect on G-quadruplex unwinding activity.
Main Results:
- Identification of a novel lncRNA, GSEC (FLJ39051), upregulated in colorectal cancer.
- Knockdown of GSEC significantly reduces colon cancer cell migration.
- GSEC directly binds to DHX36 RNA helicase, inhibiting its G-quadruplex unwinding activity, and DHX36 knockdown rescues GSEC knockdown-induced reduction in cell migration.
Conclusions:
- GSEC promotes colon cancer cell migration by inhibiting DHX36 RNA helicase activity through its G-quadruplex structure.
- GSEC represents a potential therapeutic target for colorectal cancer treatment.
- Understanding the lncRNA-protein interactions in cancer provides new avenues for therapeutic intervention.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Small GTPases - Ras and Rho
Three regulatory proteins control their activity:
02:39lncRNA - Long Non-coding RNAs
01:12Role Of Notch Signalling In Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal
Direct cell-to-cell contact is needed for the activation of Notch signaling. The signal is initiated when a notch ligand binds to a receptor on an adjacent cell, also...
02:15Experimental RNAi