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Human β-defensin-1 affects the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway and autophagy in colon cancer cells through long

Yu-Xin Zhao1, Yan Cui2, Xin-Hong Li3

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology, Inner Mongolia Chest Hospital, The Fourth Hospital, Hohhot 010035, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China.

World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology
|April 25, 2024
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Human beta-defensin-1 (hBD-1) inhibits colon cancer cell growth by targeting the mTOR pathway and promoting autophagy. This effect is mediated by the upregulation of the long non-coding RNA TCONS_00014506.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Colorectal cancer (CRC) exhibits high mortality and low survival rates.
  • Human beta-defensin-1 (hBD-1) is implicated in innate immunity and cancer cell recognition.
  • Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate cellular processes like differentiation and growth.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of hBD-1 on the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway.
  • To examine the effect of hBD-1 on autophagy in human colon cancer SW620 cells.
  • To identify lncRNAs associated with the mTOR pathway in CRC.

Main Methods:

  • Cell proliferation was assessed using CCK8 and colony formation assays.
  • Bioinformatics analysis screened lncRNAs linked to the mTOR pathway.
  • Western blot quantified protein levels of p-mTOR, Beclin1, and LC3II/I.

Main Results:

  • hBD-1 significantly inhibited SW620 cell proliferation and colony formation.
  • hBD-1 decreased p-mTOR expression while increasing Beclin1 and LC3II/I levels.
  • Seven mTOR-related lncRNAs were identified; TCONS_00014506 inhibition modulated hBD-1's effects.

Conclusions:

  • hBD-1 inhibits the mTOR pathway and induces autophagy in SW620 cells.
  • Upregulation of lncRNA TCONS_00014506 mediates hBD-1's anti-cancer effects.
  • hBD-1 represents a potential therapeutic target for colorectal cancer.
Keywords:
AutophagyColon cancerHuman β-defensin-1LncRNAMammalian target of rapamycin

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