Silencing YKL-40 gene can inhibit inflammatory factor expression and affects the effect of THP-1 cells on endometrial

Qin Luo1, Jiangtao Fan2, Lili Li3

  • 1The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.

Abstract

Insights

Silencing the YKL-40 gene in THP-1 cells reduces inflammatory factors, invasion, and migration in endometrial cancer. YKL-40 may be a therapeutic target for this cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • YKL-40 is a chitinase-like protein implicated in inflammation and cancer progression.
  • Understanding YKL-40's role in endometrial cancer is crucial for developing targeted therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of silencing the YKL-40 gene on inflammatory factor expression.
  • To determine the effect of YKL-40 gene silencing in THP-1 cells on endometrial cancer cell behavior.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized siRNA targeting YKL-40 (si-YKL-40) for transfection in HEC-1A and THP-1 cells.
  • Assessed mRNA levels of YKL-40, IL-8, and MMP-9 using qRT-PCR.
  • Evaluated HEC-1A cell migration, invasion, and angiogenesis (tube formation) after co-culture with silenced THP-1 cells.

Main Results:

  • Successful lentiviral transfection achieved YKL-40 gene silencing in both cell lines.
  • YKL-40, IL-8, and MMP-9 mRNA expression significantly decreased in the si-YKL-40 group.
  • Silencing YKL-40 in THP-1 cells reduced HEC-1A cell migration, invasion, and in vitro angiogenesis.

Conclusions:

  • Silencing YKL-40 in THP-1 cells inhibits inflammatory factors, endometrial cancer cell invasion/migration, and angiogenesis.
  • The YKL-40 gene shows potential as a therapeutic target for endometrial cancer due to its inflammatory role.

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