LncRNA-CTD suppresses metastasis and immune evasion by modulating snail1 and MHC-I expression in colorectal cancer

Ning Xu1, Huisi Qiu2, Yuezhang Sun1

  • 1Guangzhou Institute of Cancer Research, the Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.

PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study identifies a novel long non-coding RNA, lncRNA-CTD, that suppresses colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis and immune evasion. Overexpressing lncRNA-CTD enhances immunotherapy response and inhibits tumor growth, offering new therapeutic strategies for CRC.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Distant metastasis and immune evasion are key challenges in colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment.
  • The interplay between metastasis and immune evasion in CRC and their therapeutic implications require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize novel long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) involved in colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis and immune evasion.
  • To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of lncRNA-CTD in CRC.
  • To evaluate the therapeutic potential of lncRNA-CTD in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Main Methods:

  • RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to screen lncRNAs in CRC tissues.
  • In situ hybridization and quantitative PCR to determine lncRNA-CTD expression.
  • In vitro and in vivo assays to assess lncRNA-CTD function.
  • Flow cytometry to analyze immune cell infiltration and T-cell function.
  • RNA pull-down and RNA immunoprecipitation assays to identify downstream targets.

Main Results:

  • A novel lncRNA, lncRNA-CTD, was identified and found to be downregulated in CRC, correlating with metastasis and immunotherapy response.
  • LncRNA-CTD inhibits CRC metastasis by preventing smad2 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation, thereby suppressing snail1 expression.
  • LncRNA-CTD enhances CD8+ T-cell-mediated killing of CRC cells by increasing MHC-I expression via interaction with STUB1 and NLRC5.
  • TFAP4 overexpression leads to lncRNA-CTD downregulation in CRC cells.
  • Combination therapy of lncRNA-CTD gene delivery and immune checkpoint inhibitors showed additive tumor growth inhibition.

Conclusions:

  • LncRNA-CTD plays a crucial role in suppressing colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis and immune evasion.
  • Overexpression of lncRNA-CTD represents a promising therapeutic strategy to enhance the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in CRC treatment.

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