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Functional analysis of ESM1 by siRNA knockdown in primary and metastatic head and neck cancer cells
Onur Bender1, Mehmet Gunduz1,2, Sadik Cigdem1
1Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Turgut Ozal University, Ankara, Turkey.
Background:
Genetic factors play a large role in cancer, and thus, there is a great desire to understand the effects of different genes in cancer and to also develop gene therapy for better treatments. Therefore, the development of alternative diagnosis and therapy modalities is of utmost importance. The aim of our study was to illuminate the role of ESM1 (endothelial cell-specific molecule-1, also known as Endocan) in proliferation and migration of head and neck cancer, thus helping to pave the way for new treatment modalities and predictive biomarkers.
Methods:
ESM1 expression was shown with immunofluorescence assay using confocal laser scanning microscope in primary and metastatic head and neck cancer cells. ESM1 expression was knocked down by RNA interference in head and neck cancer cells. Knockdown efficiency was evaluated by quantitative real-time RT-PCR and Western blot. Cell proliferation and migration assays were performed by xCELLigence real-time cell analysis system.
Results:
Immunofluorescence assay showed nuclear localization and high expression of ESM1 in primary and metastatic head and neck cancer cells. ESM1 mRNA and protein levels were significantly decreased in ESM1-knockdown cells compared to control. ESM1-knockdown cells showed reduced proliferation and migration activity when compared to control cells.
Conclusion:
These findings suggest that ESM1 has roles on proliferation and migration of head and neck cancer cells.
Insights
Endothelial cell-specific molecule-1 (ESM1) promotes head and neck cancer cell proliferation and migration. Targeting ESM1 may offer new therapeutic strategies and predictive biomarkers for this cancer type.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Genetics
Background:
- Genetic factors significantly influence cancer development, driving the need for understanding gene functions in cancer.
- Developing novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies is crucial for improving cancer treatment outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Endothelial cell-specific molecule-1 (ESM1), also known as Endocan, in the proliferation and migration of head and neck cancer cells.
- To explore ESM1 as a potential therapeutic target and predictive biomarker for head and neck cancers.
Main Methods:
- Immunofluorescence assays were used to visualize ESM1 expression in primary and metastatic head and neck cancer cells.
- RNA interference was employed to knock down ESM1 expression, with efficiency confirmed by quantitative real-time RT-PCR and Western blot.
- Cell proliferation and migration were assessed using the xCELLigence real-time cell analysis system.
Main Results:
- High ESM1 expression and nuclear localization were observed in primary and metastatic head and neck cancer cells.
- Successful knockdown of ESM1 led to significant reductions in both mRNA and protein levels.
- ESM1 knockdown resulted in decreased proliferation and migration activity of head and neck cancer cells.
Conclusions:
- ESM1 plays a significant role in regulating the proliferation and migration of head and neck cancer cells.
- These findings highlight ESM1 as a potential therapeutic target and predictive biomarker for head and neck cancer treatment.
