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AXIN1 protects against testicular germ cell tumors via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway

Hailiang Xu1, Yunyun Feng2, Zhankui Jia3

  • 1Department of Urinary Surgery, The Zhumadian City Center Hospital, Zhumadian, Henan 463000, P.R. China.

Oncology Letters
|July 12, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Axis inhibition protein 1 (AXIN1) acts as a tumor suppressor in testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs). Overexpressing AXIN1 inhibits the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, reducing cell viability and promoting apoptosis in TGCTs.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Genetics

Background:

  • Axis inhibition protein 1 (AXIN1) is a known tumor suppressor in various cancers.
  • The specific role of AXIN1 in testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) is not well-understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the functional role of AXIN1 in TGCTs using the NTera2 cell line.
  • To determine the effect of AXIN1 overexpression on TGCT cell behavior and signaling pathways.

Main Methods:

  • NTera2 cells were transfected with AXIN1 expression vectors or siRNA.
  • AXIN1 mRNA and protein levels were quantified using RT-qPCR and Western blotting.
  • Cell viability, apoptosis, and key protein expressions (Bax, Bcl-2, PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway) were assessed.

Main Results:

  • AXIN1 overexpression increased apoptosis and Bax levels while decreasing cell viability and Bcl-2 expression in NTera2 cells.
  • AXIN1 overexpression suppressed the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, indicated by reduced p-mTOR, p-AKT, and p-S6.
  • Simultaneous transfection with AXIN1 expression vector and siRNA did not yield significant changes, suggesting a dose-dependent effect.

Conclusions:

  • AXIN1 overexpression exhibits a protective effect against TGCTs by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.
  • AXIN1 demonstrates potential as a therapeutic target for gene therapy in TGCTs.
Keywords:
PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathwayaxis inhibition protein 1testicular germ cell tumors

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