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Updated: Jan 19, 2026
Induction of Mesenchymal-Epithelial Transitions in Sarcoma Cells
Published on: April 7, 2017
DHX9 inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition in human lung adenocarcinoma cells by regulating STAT3
Xueli Yan1, Jing Chang1, Ruiying Sun1
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
Abstract:
DHX9 has numerous functions regulating transcription, translation, RNA processing and transport, and DNA replication and maintenance of genomic stability. It is involved in human cancers as either an oncogene or tumor suppressor. However, its role in the progression of lung cancer and underlying mechanisms remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that DHX9 is overexpressed in human lung cancer tissues and serum. Also, a favorable prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma is predicted when DHX9 is at a high level. DHX9 knockdown promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and inhibited apoptosis progression in A549 cells. Moreover, DHX9 knockdown led to a significant decrease of E-cadherin expression, an increase of vimentin and snail, and a significant increase in the phosphorylation of STAT3 in A549 cells. In summary, our studies identified a novel role of DHX9 in driving tumor growth and epithelial-mesenchymal transition progress of A549 cells. We propose that the STAT3 pathway may be implicated in the DHX9-related epithelial-mesenchymal transition of lung adenocarcinoma. Therefore, DHX9 may be a prognostic marker or potential therapeutic target for lung adenocarcinoma.
Insights
The study found that high levels of DHX9 protein predict a better prognosis in lung adenocarcinoma. DHX9 knockdown promoted cancer cell growth and migration, suggesting DHX9 is a potential therapeutic target.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- DHX9 plays diverse roles in cellular processes, including DNA replication and RNA metabolism.
- Its function in lung cancer progression and the associated mechanisms are not well understood.
- DHX9 can act as either an oncogene or a tumor suppressor in human cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of DHX9 in lung adenocarcinoma progression.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of DHX9's function in lung cancer.
- To evaluate DHX9 as a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target for lung adenocarcinoma.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of DHX9 expression in human lung cancer tissues and serum.
- DHX9 knockdown experiments in A549 lung cancer cells.
- Assessment of cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis.
- Evaluation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers (E-cadherin, vimentin, snail) and STAT3 phosphorylation.
Main Results:
- DHX9 is overexpressed in lung cancer tissues and serum, with high levels correlating with a favorable prognosis in lung adenocarcinoma.
- DHX9 knockdown enhanced proliferation, migration, and invasion while inhibiting apoptosis in A549 cells.
- Knockdown of DHX9 decreased E-cadherin and increased vimentin and snail expression, alongside increased STAT3 phosphorylation, indicating promotion of epithelial-mesenchymal transition.
Conclusions:
- DHX9 plays a significant role in promoting tumor growth and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in lung adenocarcinoma.
- The STAT3 signaling pathway is likely involved in DHX9-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition.
- DHX9 represents a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for lung adenocarcinoma.
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