The role of SF3B1 and NOTCH1 in the pathogenesis of leukemia

TMEM252 inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition and progression in papillary thyroid carcinoma by regulating Notch1 expression

BACKGROUND

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) accounts for about 85% of thyroid cancer cases. Transmembrane protein 252 (TMEM252) is a gene encoding a transmembrane protein that has only been reported to be associated with triple-negative breast cancer. Herein, we first elucidated the physiological roles and possible regulatory proteins of TMEM252 in PTC pathogenesis.

METHODS

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and immunohistochemical analyses were utilized to ascertain the relative TMEM252 expression in PTC and surrounding normal tissues. Functional investigations involved CCK-8 viability assay, EdU incorporation assay for proliferation, transwell assays for migration and invasion, and an in vivo tumor development assessment to evaluate the TMEM252-mediated regulation of tumor formation.

RESULTS

Our results first revealed diminished TMEM252 transcript and protein expressions in PTC tissues and cell lines. TMEM252 overexpression suppressed cell proliferation through reducing p53, p21, and p16 expression. Conversely, TMEM252 depletion has opposite effects in PTC cells both in vivo. Additionally, the upregulation of TMEM252 demonstrated cell migration and invasion suppression by impeding the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process via inhibition of the Notch pathway. Furthermore, overexpression of TMEM252 suppressed tumor growth in vivo.

CONCLUSION

Our study elucidates that TMEM252 suppresses PTC progression by modulating the Notch pathway. These findings underscore TMEM252 is a potential therapeutic target in managing PTC.

Examining the contribution of Notch signaling to lung disease development

Notch pathway is a widely observed signaling system that holds pivotal functions in regulating various developmental cellular functions and operations. The Notch signaling mechanism is crucial for lung homeostasis, damage, and restoration. Based on increasing evidence, the Notch pathway has been identified, as critical for fibrosis and subsequently, the development of chronic fibroproliferative conditions in various organs and tissues. Recent research indicates that deregulation of Notch signaling correlates with the pathogenesis of significant pulmonary conditions, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), lung carcinoma, and pulmonary abnormalities in some hereditary disorders. In various cellular and tissue environments, and across both physiological and pathological conditions, multiple consequences of Notch activation have been observed. Studies have ascertained that the Notch signaling cascade exhibits close associations with various other signaling systems. This study provides an updated overview of Notch signaling's role, especially its link to fibrosis and its potential therapeutic implications. This study sheds light on the latest findings regarding the mechanisms and outcomes of irregular or lacking Notch activity in the onset and development of pulmonary diseases. As our insight into this signaling mechanism suggests that modulating Notch signaling might hold potential as a valuable additional therapeutic approach in upcoming research.