JAM3 promotes cervical cancer metastasis by activating the HIF-1α/VEGFA pathway

Jiali Peng1, Yao Chen2, Aijun Yin3

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, 107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China.

BMC Women'S Health
|May 17, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Junctional adhesion molecule 3 (JAM3) promotes cervical cancer metastasis by activating the HIF-1α/VEGFA pathway. This finding suggests JAM3 could be a new therapeutic target for cervical cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Medicine

Background:

  • Cervical cancer is a leading cause of cancer mortality in women globally.
  • Tumor metastasis significantly worsens prognosis, necessitating research into its mechanisms and therapies.
  • The role of Junctional Adhesion Molecule 3 (JAM3) in cervical cancer progression requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the function and mechanism of JAM3 in cervical cancer metastasis.
  • To determine if JAM3 expression correlates with lymph node metastasis.
  • To explore JAM3's potential as a therapeutic target.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of JAM3 expression in cervical cancer patient samples.
  • In vitro and in vivo studies to assess the impact of JAM3 on cell metastasis.
  • Investigation of JAM3's effect on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).
  • Examination of the HIF-1α/VEGFA pathway activation by JAM3.

Main Results:

  • High JAM3 expression was observed in cervical cancer patients with lymph node metastasis.
  • Overexpression of JAM3 enhanced cervical cancer cell migration and invasion in vitro and in vivo.
  • JAM3 induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancer cells.
  • Silencing JAM3 reduced cancer cell migration and invasion.
  • JAM3 activation of the HIF-1α/VEGFA pathway was confirmed.

Conclusions:

  • JAM3 significantly promotes cervical cancer cell migration and invasion.
  • The mechanism involves the activation of the HIF-1α/VEGFA pathway.
  • JAM3 represents a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for cervical cancer.

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