CEACAM1 increased the lymphangiogenesis through miR-423-5p and NF- kB in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Lung cancer causes significant mortality, with invasion and metastasis being the main features that cause most cancer deaths. Lymph node metastasis is the primary metastatic route in non-small cell carcinoma (NSCLC) and influences the staging and prognosis of NSCLC. Cumulative studies have reported that Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) is involved in the progression of various cancers. However, few studies have discussed the function of CEACAM1 in lymphangiogenesis in NSCLC. Here, we examined how CEACAM1 influences lymphangiogenesis in NSCLC.

A total of 30 primary squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) patients diagnosed with LN metastasis were prospectively selected. LUSC tumor tissues, para-cancerous tissues, and positive lymph node tissues were harvested. The expression and subcellular location of CEACAM1, CD31, and LVYE1 in clinical samples were detected by immunohistochemistry. Next, the CEACAM1 and hsa-miR-423-5p expressions were detected by qPCR. The protein expression of lymphangiogenesis-associated proteins and critical cytokines of the NF-κB pathway in HDLECs was detected by Western blot. A tube formation assay was performed to detect the lymphangiogenesis in different groups. The interaction between CEACAM1 and hsa-miR-423-5p was verified using a dual luciferase assay.

CEACAM1 was found to be a potential gene associated with lung cancer prognosis. It was positively correlated with angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. Then, we detected the function of CEACAM1 in lymphangiogenesis and found that CEACAM1 promoted lymphangiogenesis. hsa-miR-423-5p overexpression inhibited lymphangiogenesis via targeting CEACAM1. Finally, we observed that CEACAM1 can activate the NF-κB pathway and, therefore, promote lymphangiogenesis.

We found that CEACAM1 enhanced lymphangiogenesis in NSCLC via NF-kB activation and was repressed by miR-423-5p. This suggests the value of CEACAM1 as a new therapeutic marker in NSCLC.