Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 10, 2025

Author Spotlight: Exploring the Role of Inflammation in the Co-occurrence of Primary Sjogren's Syndrome and Lung Adenocarcinoma
Published on: September 20, 2024
SphK1 Promotes Cancer Progression through Activating JAK/STAT Pathway and Up-Regulating S1PR1 Expression in Colon
Jianting Long1, Zhijia Yao1, Yi Sui2
1Department of Medicinal Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, SUN Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
Background:
SphK1 is a conserved lipid kinase, which can catalyze the formation of tumorpromoting factor sphingosine phosphate-1 (S1P).
Objective:
This study aimed to investigate the effect of SphK1 on the proliferation/migration of colon cancer cells and associated mechanisms.
Methods:
Transcription of the SphK1 gene in colon cancer cells was detected. Gene transcription of SphK1 was inhibited by transfecting with the si-SphK1 gene in colon cancer cells. Effects of SphK1 inhibition (si-SphK1) on cell migration/proliferation were detected using the transwell system and MTS. Gene transcription of SIP, S1PR1, S1PR2, S1PR3, and activation of JAK/STAT3 pathway were examined using RT-PCR and western blot assay. S1PR1 over-expressing plasmid was constructed and transfected into cells. Effects of S1PR1 overexpression on migration/proliferation of si-SphK1 transfected colon cancer cells and activation of JAK/STAT3 pathway were determined using RT-PCR and western blotting.
Results:
Gene transcription of SphK1 in SW480 and HT-29 colon cancer cells was significantly inhibited by transfection of the si-SphK1 gene. Transwell migration and MTS findings showed that si-SphK1 transfection (si- SphK1 group) could reduce migration quantity and cell viability of colon cancer cells compared to the negative control (NC) (p<0.0001). SphK1 inhibition (si-SphK1 group) significantly down-regulated S1PR1 and S1PR3 gene transcription in SW480 and HT-29 cells (p<0.0001) and decreased activation level of JAKSTAT3 signaling pathway compared to NC group (p<0.05). Over-expression of S1PR1 reversed inhibitory effects of si-SphK1 on migration/proliferation of SW480 and activation of JAK/Stat3.
Conclusion:
SphK1 promoted proliferation and migration of colon cancer cells through promoting JAK/STAT activation and up-regulating S1PR1 expression.
Related Concept Videos
The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mTOR pathway or the...
Interactions Between Signaling Pathways
Convergence and divergence, and cross-talk between signaling pathways
Two distinct signaling pathways can converge on a single functional unit, which may either be a single protein or a complex of proteins. The response is either functionally distinct or synergistic between the two pathways but different from the response...
MAPK Signaling Cascades
Abnormal Proliferation
PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway

