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Updated: Mar 1, 2026

Author Spotlight: Exploring the Role of FAM83A in Cervical Cancer
Published on: February 9, 2024
STC1 promotes cell apoptosis via NF-κB phospho-P65 Ser536 in cervical cancer cells
Xi Pan1,2,3, Binyuan Jiang1,2, Jianhao Liu4
1The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis of The Chinese Ministry of Health and The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of The Chinese Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China.
Abstract:
Stanniocalin-1 (STC1) is a secreted glycoprotein hormone and involved in various types of human malignancies. Our previous studies revealed that STC1 inhibited cell proliferation and invasion of cervical cancer cells through NF-κB P65 activation, but the mechanism is poorly understood. In our studies, we found overexpression of STC1 promoted cell apoptosis while silencing of STC1 promoted cell growth of cervical cancer. Phospho-protein profiling and Western blotting results showed the expression of NF-κB related phosphorylation sites including NF-κB P65 (Ser536), IκBα, IKKβ, PI3K, and AKT was altered in STC1-overexpressed cervical cancer cells. Moreover, PI3K inhibitor LY294002, AKT-shRNA and IκBα-shRNA could decrease the protein content of phospho-P65 (Ser536), phospho-IκBα, phospho-AKT and phospho-IKKβ while increasing the level of P65 compared to STC1 overexpression groups in cervical cancer cells. Also, PI3K inhibitor LY294002, AKT-shRNA and IκBα-shRNA elevated the percentage of apoptosis and suppressed the G1/S transition in those cells. Additionally, STC1 level was decreased in cervical cancer, especial in stage II and III. The results of immunohistochemistry for the cervical cancer microarray showed that a lower level of STC1, phospho-PI3K and P65 protein expression in tumor tissues than that in normal tissues, and a higher level of phospho-P65 protein expression in tumor tissues, which is consistent with the results of the Western blotting. These data demonstrated that STC1 can promote cell apoptosis via NF-κB phospho-P65 (Ser536) by PI3K/AKT, IκBα and IKK signaling in cervical cancer cells. Our results offer the first mechanism that explains the link between STC1 and cell apoptosis in cervical cancer.
Insights
Stanniocalin-1 (STC1) promotes cervical cancer cell apoptosis by activating NF-κB P65 phosphorylation through the PI3K/AKT pathway. This study elucidates STC1's mechanism in regulating apoptosis and cell growth in cervical cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Signaling
Background:
- Stanniocalin-1 (STC1) is implicated in human malignancies, with prior research suggesting it inhibits cervical cancer cell proliferation and invasion via NF-κB P65 activation.
- The precise mechanism by which STC1 influences cervical cancer progression and apoptosis remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of STC1 in cervical cancer cell apoptosis and elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms.
- To determine the relationship between STC1 expression and key signaling pathways involved in cell growth and apoptosis.
Main Methods:
- Overexpression and silencing of STC1 in cervical cancer cells.
- Phospho-protein profiling and Western blotting to analyze protein expression and phosphorylation.
- Utilizing PI3K inhibitor (LY294002), AKT-shRNA, and IκBα-shRNA to probe signaling pathways.
- Flow cytometry to assess apoptosis and cell cycle progression.
- Immunohistochemistry on cervical cancer microarrays to correlate STC1 and signaling protein levels with clinical stages.
Main Results:
- Overexpression of STC1 promoted apoptosis, while STC1 silencing enhanced cell growth in cervical cancer.
- STC1 altered the phosphorylation status of NF-κB P65 (Ser536), IκBα, IKKβ, PI3K, and AKT.
- Inhibition of PI3K/AKT or IκBα pathways reversed STC1-induced changes in NF-κB phosphorylation and increased apoptosis.
- STC1 levels were decreased in cervical cancer tissues, particularly in stages II and III, with lower STC1 and phospho-PI3K but higher phospho-P65 in tumors compared to normal tissues.
Conclusions:
- STC1 promotes cervical cancer cell apoptosis by activating NF-κB P65 phosphorylation at Ser536 via the PI3K/AKT and IKK/IκBα signaling pathways.
- STC1 plays a suppressive role in cervical cancer progression, and its reduced expression in advanced stages suggests a potential tumor-suppressive function.
- These findings provide the first mechanistic explanation for STC1's role in regulating apoptosis in cervical cancer.
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