MBNL1 and MRTF-A form a positive feedback loop in regulating the migration of esophageal cancer cells

Esophageal cancer is a serious human health threat with increasing incidence and poor prognosis. This study explored the effects and mechanisms of MBNL1 and MRTF-A in the migration of esophageal cancer cells.

The analysis of relevant sequencing data showed the impact of MBNL1 expression on esophageal cancer. Western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were used to explore the expression levels MBNL1 and MRTF-A. Wound healing and Transwell invasion assays evaluated cancer cell migration. Molecular mechanisms were explored by RNA immunoprecipitation and luciferase and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays.

MBNL1 is highly expressed in esophageal cancer and associated with poor prognosis. MBNL1 promotes the migration of esophageal KYSE150 cancer cells by stabilizing MRTF-A mRNA. Moreover, MRTF-A activates transcription of the MBNL1 promoter, resulting in the upregulation of MBNL1 expression.

MBNL1 may be an important regulator of metastasis and a factor associated with poor prognosis in esophageal cancer. Positive feedback regulation between MBNL1 and MRTF-A may be a potential therapeutic target for interrupting esophageal cancer migration. Generally, our results provide a theoretical basis for elucidating the molecular mechanisms of esophageal cancer cell migration.