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Silencing of p68 and STAT3 synergistically diminishes cancer progression

Vida Hashemi1, Armin Ahmadi2, Farinaz Malakotikhah3

  • 1Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.

Life Sciences
|March 7, 2020
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study developed a novel nanoparticle therapy to target the p68/STAT3 axis in cancer. The combination therapy effectively suppressed tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis, showing promise for future cancer treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Nanotechnology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Cancer progression involves multiple factors, necessitating combination therapies.
  • The p68 (DDX5) protein and STAT3 signaling pathway are crucial in various cancers.
  • p68 acts as a co-activator for oncogenic transcription factors like STAT3, promoting cancer development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the efficacy of a combination therapy targeting the p68/STAT3 axis in cancer cells.
  • To develop a novel nano-drug delivery system for simultaneous suppression of p68 and STAT3.
  • To evaluate the anti-cancer effects of this strategy in vitro and in vivo.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized Polyethylene glycol-trimethyl Chitosan-Hyaluronic acid (PEG-TMC-HA) nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with siRNA.
  • Administered NPs to various cancer cells to suppress the p68/STAT3 axis.
  • Assessed effects on apoptosis, proliferation, angiogenesis, and tumor growth.

Main Results:

  • siRNA-loaded NPs effectively suppressed p68/STAT3 expression in cancer cells.
  • Therapy led to significant blockade of tumor growth, colony formation, angiogenesis, and migration.
  • Reduced expression of key tumor-promoting factors including FGF, VEGF, TGF-β, MMPs, HIF-1α, IL-6, IL-33, Bcl-x, vimentin, and snail.

Conclusions:

  • The developed nano-based therapeutic strategy shows significant potential for efficient cancer therapy.
  • Combined targeting of the p68/STAT3 axis offers a promising approach for cancer treatment.
  • Further investigation of this nano-therapeutic strategy is warranted for clinical applications.
Keywords:
CD44ChitosanDDX5NanoparticleSTAT3p68

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