SDCBP Cooperates With YBX1 to Promote ESCC Metastasis by Forming a Positive Feedback Loop With Wnt-β-Catenin...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Cancer Metastasis

Background:

• Syndecan binding protein (SDCBP) is upregulated in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and linked to poor prognosis.
• SDCBP promotes tumor proliferation and formation, suggesting its potential as an ESCC therapeutic target.
• The role of SDCBP in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and ESCC metastasis remains largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of SDCBP in ESCC cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying SDCBP-mediated ESCC metastasis, including its interaction with the Wnt-β-catenin pathway and Y-box binding protein 1 (YBX1).
• To explore the regulatory relationship between SDCBP and the Wnt-β-catenin pathway in ESCC.

Main Methods:

• In vitro and in vivo assays were used to assess SDCBP's effect on ESCC cell EMT and metastasis.
• Western blotting and immunofluorescence were employed to analyze protein expression and localization, particularly for β-catenin.
• Co-immunoprecipitation assays were performed to investigate the interaction between SDCBP and YBX1.
• Gene expression analysis was conducted to evaluate the impact on Wnt-β-catenin pathway target genes.

Main Results:

• SDCBP significantly promoted EMT in ESCC cells and facilitated metastasis both in vitro and in vivo.
• SDCBP influenced Wnt-β-catenin pathway activation, regulating β-catenin expression and nuclear localization.
• SDCBP interacted with YBX1, and upregulated YBX1 mediated SDCBP-driven ESCC cell migration and invasion.
• A positive feedback loop was identified where SDCBP is transcriptionally regulated by the Wnt-β-catenin pathway.

Conclusions:

• SDCBP plays a crucial role in promoting ESCC metastasis by inducing EMT and activating the Wnt-β-catenin pathway.
• The SDCBP-YBX1-Wnt-β-catenin axis is a key regulator of ESCC migration and invasion.
• The positive feedback loop between SDCBP and Wnt-β-catenin pathway provides a deeper understanding of ESCC progression.
• SDCBP represents a promising therapeutic target for inhibiting ESCC metastasis.