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Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Development of Compendium for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
03:36

Development of Compendium for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Published on: April 12, 2024

FOXA2 suppresses ESCC proliferation and metastasis by inhibiting PSMB9 expression, thereby attenuating proteasome

Wenqiang Xia1, Ning Li2, Chunxia Gong1

  • 1Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Naval Medical University, Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200433, China.

Cancer Cell International
|July 17, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Forkhead box A2 (FOXA2) suppresses esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) progression. It inhibits cell proliferation and invasion by downregulating proteasome activity via PSMB9, offering a potential therapeutic target for ESCC.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a deadly cancer.
  • The role of FOXA2 in ESCC progression is not fully understood.
  • FOXA2 is implicated in cell growth, differentiation, and metastasis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the regulatory mechanisms of FOXA2 in ESCC.
  • To determine the functional role of FOXA2 in ESCC progression.
  • To elucidate the molecular pathways targeted by FOXA2 in ESCC.

Main Methods:

  • Western blotting, RT-qPCR, and immunohistochemistry assessed FOXA2 expression.
  • In vitro (CCK-8, transwell, wound healing) and in vivo (xenograft) assays evaluated FOXA2 function.
  • RNA-Seq identified downstream targets and elucidated mechanisms involving proteasome activity.

Main Results:

  • FOXA2 expression was reduced in ESCC tissues and cells.
  • FOXA2 overexpression inhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition, proliferation, migration, and invasion.
  • FOXA2 suppressed proteasome activity by downregulating PSMB9, inhibiting ESCC cell proliferation and invasion.

Conclusions:

  • FOXA2 acts as a tumor suppressor in ESCC.
  • FOXA2 inhibits ESCC progression by modulating proteasome activity via PSMB9.
  • FOXA2 represents a promising therapeutic target for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
Keywords:
EMTESCCFOXA2PSMB9Proteasome

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