FHL1 Overexpression as A Inhibitor of Lung Cancer Cell Invasion via Increasing RhoGDIß mRNA Expression

MiR-223-3p Promotes Osteoporosis Progression by Repressing Osteogenic Differentiation via Targeting FHL1/Wnt/β-catenin Signaling

The aim of this research was to unveil the potential along with potential mechanism of miR-223-3p in osteoporosis. RT-qPCR together with western blot was implemented to examine miR-223-3p, FHL1, along with osteogenic markers levels during bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) differentiation. The ALP activity staining along with alizarin red staining (ARS) were implemented to assess ALP activity as well as the mineralization ability of BMSCs. Binding sequences for miR-223-3p and FHL1 from starBase website were validated through dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. MiR-223-3p was down-regulated in BMSCs during osteoblasts differentiation, and miR-223-3p elevation hindered BMSCs' osteogenic differentiation. FHL1 belonged to the target mRNA of miR-223-3p. FHL1 presented up-regulation in BMSCs during osteoblasts differentiation. More importantly, FHL1 expression was negative modulated by miR-223-3p in BMSCs during osteoblasts differentiation, and FHL1 elevation could inverse the inhibited BMSCs' osteogenic differentiation modulated by miR-223-3p elevation. Furthermore, miR-223-3p elevation repressed the Wnt/β-catenin pathway activity in lithium chloride-treated BMSCs, and FHL1 overexpression counteracted the inhibitory effect of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway caused by miR-223-3p up-regulation. Collectively, miR-223-3p accelerates osteoporosis progression by repressing osteogenic differentiation through targeting FHL1/Wnt/β-catenin signaling.

Role of four and a half LIM domain protein 1 in tumors (Review)

As a cytoskeletal protein, the four and a half LIM domain protein 1 (FHL1) is widely expressed in various cells, particularly skeletal and cardiac muscle cells. FHL1 is involved in the development of the skeletal muscle and myocardium, regulations of gene transcription and thyroid function, and other physiological processes. Its expression is closely related to numerous diseases, such as skeletal muscle disease and viral infections. With the advances in research, the role of FHL1 in the development of tumors is also being revealed. The mechanism of FHL1 in the regulation of tumor growth is complex and is becoming a research focus. It is also expected to become a potential target for tumor therapy. Therefore, the present article reviewed the progress in research on the role of FHL1 in cancer.

Overexpression of FHL1 suppresses papillary thyroid cancer proliferation and progression via inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin pathway

PURPOSE

The four and a half LIM domain protein 1 (FHL1) has been found to act as a tumor suppressor in several cancers. However, the clinical and functional significance, as well as underlying molecular mechanisms of FHL1 in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) are largely unknown.

METHODS

Bioinformatics analyses, qRT-PCR and Western blotting were used to investigate the expression of FHL1 in PTC. Cell proliferation was measured using CCK8, Edu, colony formation, and flow cytometry assays. Cell migration and invasion were examined by wound healing and Transwell assays. qRT-PCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence and Top/Fop reporter assays were performed to assess the underlying mechanisms.

RESULTS

FHL1 expression was significantly downregulated in PTC. FHL1 downregulation negatively correlated with stage, T classification, and N classification of the patients. The downregulation of FHL1 is associated with poor prognosis. Overexpression of FHL1 inhibited PTC cells' proliferation, invasion, migration and Wnt/β-catenin pathway activity. LiCl partially restored the inhibitory effects of FHL1 on aggressive phenotypes and Wnt/β-catenin pathway activity of PTC cells.

CONCLUSION

FHL1 is downregulated in PTC and its expression is associated with better clinical outcomes for patients with the disease. FHL1 acts as a tumor suppressor via, at least partially, suppressing Wnt/β-catenin pathway.