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BAP31-ELAVL1-SPINK6 axis induces loss of cell polarity and promotes metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma

  • 0Department of Immunology, Basic Medicine School, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi, China.
International Journal of Biological Sciences +

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February 24, 2025

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February 24, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

BAP31 loss of cell polarity in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by regulating ELAVL1-SPINK6 axis, inhibiting metastasis. This finding offers new insights into HCC progression and potential therapeutic targets.

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background

  • Tumor metastasis is a primary cause of death in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
  • Loss of cell polarity in HCC cells is linked to weakened adhesion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and metastasis.
  • The precise mechanisms driving polarity loss in HCC remain incompletely understood.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying cell polarity loss and metastasis in HCC.
  • To investigate the role of BAP31 in regulating HCC cell polarity and metastatic potential.
  • To identify downstream targets and interacting proteins involved in the BAP31-mediated pathway.

Main Methods

  • RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to identify downstream genes.
  • Immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry (IP-MS) and immunofluorescence (IF) assays to detect protein interactions.
  • RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), RNA-FISH, RNA stability, and luciferase reporter assays to confirm RNA-protein interactions and regulatory effects.
  • In vitro cell assays (invasion, migration) and in vivo experiments in HCC models.

Main Results

  • BAP31 expression correlates with tumor grade and metastasis in HCC.
  • BAP31 silencing restores HCC cell polarity and inhibits invasion and migration.
  • BAP31 interacts with ELAVL1, promoting SPINK6 mRNA stabilization and expression.
  • The BAP31-ELAVL1-SPINK6 axis drives polarity loss and promotes HCC metastasis.

Conclusions

  • The BAP31-ELAVL1-SPINK6 signaling pathway is a key driver of cell polarity loss and metastasis in HCC.
  • Targeting this axis may offer novel therapeutic strategies for preventing HCC metastasis.
  • This study provides critical insights into the molecular mechanisms governing HCC progression.

Keywords:

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