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The EMT-related transcription factor snail up-regulates FAPα in malignant melanoma cells

Yanmei Yi1, Zhaotong Wang2, Yanqin Sun3

  • 1Department of Histology and Embryology, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524023, Guangdong, China.

Experimental Cell Research
|February 8, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAPα) expression in melanoma is increased by the snail protein. This snail/FAPα axis presents a new therapeutic target for melanoma treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAPα) is a serine protease highly expressed in tumor stroma, making it a potential cancer therapy target.
  • Understanding FAPα regulation is crucial for developing effective antitumor strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the regulatory mechanism of FAPα expression.
  • To explore the role of the snail protein in FAPα regulation and its impact on melanoma.

Main Methods:

  • Overexpression and knockdown of snail and FAPα in melanoma cell lines (B16, SK-MEL-28).
  • Analysis of FAPα mRNA and protein levels, promoter activity assays, and chromatin immunoprecipitation.
  • Correlation analysis of snail and FAPα expression in human melanoma tissues.
  • Cell migration assays.

Main Results:

  • Snail overexpression significantly upregulated FAPα mRNA and protein levels in melanoma cells.
  • Snail directly binds to the FAPα promoter, enhancing its activity.
  • Snail expression positively correlates with FAPα expression in human cutaneous malignant melanoma.
  • FAPα knockdown inhibited snail-induced melanoma cell migration.

Conclusions:

  • Snail is a novel regulator of FAPα expression in melanoma.
  • The snail/FAPα axis represents a promising therapeutic target for melanoma treatment.
Keywords:
FAPαMalignant melanomaRegulation mechanismSnail

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