Zinc finger protein 384 enhances colorectal cancer metastasis by upregulating MMP2

Zinc finger transcription factor ZNF384 mitigates LPS-induced ferroptosis and inflammation in lung epithelial cells by activating SESN2-mediated autophagy

BACKGROUND

Ferroptosis, a type of programmed cell death distinct from apoptosis, is potentially associated with sepsis-triggered acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). ZNF384 is a transcription factor, but its role in ARDS remain unclear.

METHODS

Blood samples were collected from sepsis-induced ARDS patients and healthy controls. BEAS-2B cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to mimic sepsis-induced damaged lung epithelial cell model. Gene and protein expression were elevated utilizing RT-qPCR, western blot, and immunofluorescent staining, respectively. Cell viability and death were evaluated by CCK-8 and flow cytometry. Inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers were measured using ELISA. Intracellular ROS was determined using DCFH-DA staining. Iron concentration was measured using an iron detection kit. Target relationships were confirmed through ChIP and luciferase reporter assays.

RESULTS

ZNF384 and SESN2 levels were downregulated in sepsis-induced ARDS patients. Overexpression of ZNF384 reduced inflammatory injury, ferroptosis and enhanced autophagy in LPS-stimulated BEAS-2B cells. Mechanistically, ZNF384 served as transcriptional activator of SESN2 to boost autophagy activation. Rescue experiments validated that depletion of SESN2 strikingly reversed the regulatory function of ZNF384 in LPS-induced inflammation, autophagy and ferroptosis.

CONCLUSION

ZNF384 alleviated LPS-triggered ferroptosis and inflammation in BEAS-2B cells via activating SESN2-mediated autophagy, indicating ZNF384 was a novel target for ARDS treatment.

Integrated Network Analysis Decipher ZNF384-Related miR-20b-5p and miR-424-5p in Colon Adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

ZNF384 is a C2H2-type zinc finger protein (ZNF) which is implicated in DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair through the classical non-homologous end-joining (cNHEJ) pathway.

AIMS

To clarify the regulatory mechanisms involving ZNF384 in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD).

METHODS AND RESULTS

First, we conducted a differential expression gene (DEG) analysis of mRNA and lncRNA using TCGA-COAD RNA-Seq data. We also identified ZNF384-related mRNAs through Pearson's correlation coefficient calculation and conducted weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) for these genes, leading to the identification of a cluster of 331 genes with strongly positive correlation to tumor, 84 of which overlapped with DEGs. Gene functional analysis showed enrichment of genes in DNA repair, replication fork, and cell cycle checkpoint signaling pathways. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis of these 84 genes led to the identification of the top 20 key mRNAs. Then we employed three machine learning methods to refine our selection of candidate genes from these intersecting mRNAs. We constructed a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network and identified two significant intersecting miRNAs, miR-20b-5p and miR-424-5p, which have been shown to act as a tumor suppressor gene and an oncogene, respectively. Additionally, we found that KIF14 and KIF18B are regulated by these two miRNAs in this ceRNA network, particularly in DNA damage repair and cell cycle. Finally, validation using an external dataset from the GEO database confirmed their expression patterns.

CONCLUSION

The current study clarifies the mechanisms of how miR-20b-5p and miR-424-5p work in colon cancer and underscores their predictive capabilities in colon cancer.

METTL3-mediated m6A modification of ZNF384 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by transcriptionally activating ACSM1

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a lethal disease with a high mortality rate, and its development is influenced by various molecular mechanisms. Zinc finger protein 384 (ZNF384) has been reported to be involved in the progression of several cancers; however, its role in HCC remains elusive.

METHODS

mRNA expression levels were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, while western blotting and immunohistochemistry were performed to validate protein expression. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metabolic activities were examined using clonogenicity, flow cytometry, and specific assay kits. A xenograft mouse model was employed to assess the impact of acyl-CoA synthetase medium-chain family member 1 (ACSM1) depletion on HCC cell malignancy in vivo. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay and dual-luciferase reporter assay were conducted to explore the association between ZNF384 and ACSM1.

RESULTS

We found that ACSM1 and ZNF384 were significantly upregulated in HCC tissues and cells when compared with normal liver tissues and human liver immortalized cells. Knockdown of ACSM1 inhibited HCC cell proliferation and glucose metabolism and induced cell apoptosis. Furthermore, ACSM1 depletion suppressed the malignant progression of HCC cells in vivo. Our data indicated that ZNF384 transcriptionally activated ACSM1 in HCC cells. Overexpression of ACSM1 reversed the inhibitory effect of ZNF384 depletion on HCC cell malignancy. Further, methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) stabilized ZNF384 mRNA through m6A methylation.

CONCLUSION

METTL3-mediated m6A modification of ZNF384 contributed to the progression of HCC by transcriptionally activating ACSM1. This finding suggests potential therapeutic targets for this devastating disease.

ZNF384 and m6A methylation promote the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating the interaction between LINC00342 and DAPK1

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor with high morbidity and mortality. Many lncRNAs play important regulatory roles in the pathogenesis of HCC, but the mechanism of action of LINC00342 in the progression of HCC remains unclear. In this study, we assessed 24 pairs of HCC tissues and adjacent normal tissues as well as HCC cells and a nude mouse model of HCC. Gene and protein expression was evaluated by flow cytometry, CCK-8, RIP, colony formation assay, and TUNEL staining. This study revealed that LINC00342 was highly expressed in HCC tissues and cells. LINC00342 knockdown significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of HCC cells, promoted apoptosis, inhibited tumor growth in vivo, and increased the sensitivity of HCC cells to cisplatin. The opposite effect was observed in LINC00342-overexpressing cells. Mechanistically, ZNF384 and m6A methylation can promote the transcription and stability of LINC00342, and LINC00342 can bind to DAPK1, which inhibits Cyt C release and the activation of caspase family proteins to accelerate HCC progression. Our study indicated that the inhibition of LINC00342 expression may represent a new breakthrough for HCC treatment.

Transcriptomic profiling in canine B-cell lymphoma supports a synergistic effect of BTK and PI3K inhibitors

Introduction

B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling has revealed itself as a critical pathway in the pathogenesis of B-cell lymphoma. Within this pathway, the inhibition of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) or Phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) alone presents encouraging efficacy in the treatment of certain both canine and human hematological malignancies.

Methods

Here we characterized the effects of the BTK inhibitor Ibrutinib and the PI3K inhibitor AS-605240 as single and combined agents in the canine pre-clinical diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) model CLBL-1 by assaying cell proliferation and metabolic activity, and performing RNA-seq to measure gene expression changes.

Results

We found 2,336 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) across all treatment types and time points relative to the control. The largest number of DEGs were induced by the combination of Ibrutinib and AS-605240. These genes were involved in adaptive immune response, leukotriene D4 metabolic and terms related to regulation of GTP and GTPase mediated signal transduction. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) detected nine gene modules, five of which were associated with treatment response. Eighteen-percent of genes within these modules were also differentially expressed. Notably, we observed one module that was exclusively associated with the combined treatment whose gene members were related to cellular metabolism, homeostasis signaling, and protein synthesis and regulation.

Conclusion

Narrowing in on highly connected genes of modules associated with treatment response with large fold changes across treatments which play roles in the main targeted pathways identified PAG1, PRKAR2A, ACACA, FOS, and PRKCA as potential primary candidates of the synergistic treatment effect.

Identification of autophagy-related immune targets for enhancing immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer aggressiveness

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic cancer (PC) presents significant challenges in oncology, with metastasis critically affecting patient outcomes. Autophagy-related genes (ARGs)'s involvement in influencing immune activity and metastasis in PC remains inadequately understood.

AIM

This study seeks to identify and validate five ARGs that could serve as immune targets, enhancing enhancing Pancreatic cancer metastasis (PCM)'s prognostic models and informing immunotherapy strategies.

METHODS

ARGs that were diffentially expressed were screened, followed by Cox regression and LASSO analyses to pinpoint five genes linked to overall survival (OS). A prognostic model was developed and validated using ROC curves. Functional analyses, including GO and KEGG, were performed to elucidate ARG mechanisms. Immune infiltration and TFs/microRNA/mRNA networks were assessed to understand ARG-immune cell interactions. Experimental validation employed real-time PCR, IHC, and Western blotting, supported by TCGA data. Functional assays explored RHEB's role in PC, particularly its interaction with LC3.

RESULTS

Five ARGs (CASP1, RHEB, CHMP2B, MYC, and HDAC6) were identified, contributing to a robust prognostic model where low-risk individuals showed significantly longer OS. The model demonstrated high AUC scores, indicating strong prognostic capability. CD8 T cells and Treg cells' elevated levels were observed in metastatic subjects. RHEB knockdown suppressed cancer cell proliferation and invasion, with a negative correlation between RHEB and LC3, suggesting a role in autophagy-mediated modulation of PC metastasis.

CONCLUSION

This study introduces a novel prognostic model incorporating five ARGs, highlighting their potential as immune targets for cancer immunotherapy. The negative correlation between RHEB and LC3 suggests a therapeutic pathway for PCM intervention, laying the groundwork for more effective anti-cancer strategies. These findings advance the identification of novel immune targets and signaling pathways, aligning with precision medicine goals in cancer treatment.

Research Progress on the Role of Zinc Finger Protein in Colorectal Cancer

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide, with a tendency of increasing incidence in developed countries, which poses a significant threat to the patients' physical and mental health.

RECENT FINDINGS

The process of gene transcription affects the important physiological functions of cells, so the normal expression of transcription factors is an important prerequisite for maintaining cellular homeostasis. Changes in the level of zinc finger proteins, the most prevalent transcription factor, may play an important trigger for the development of colorectal cancer. Different zinc finger proteins play different roles in terms of promoting or inhibiting cancer development.

CONCLUSION

This paper briefly reviews the classification, functional characteristics, and expression changes of zinc finger proteins in colorectal cancer, it focuses on how they regulate gene transcription, influence on common signaling pathways, and their potential for translational studies and clinical applications. The objective is to stimulate new ideas for their study of colorectal cancer while also providing foundational information to guide drug development and treatment strategies for colorectal cancer patients in clinical settings.

GPSM1 interacts and cooperates with MMP19 to promote proliferation and EMT in colorectal cancer cells

Among patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), metastasis accounts for the majority of deaths, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is important in the metastatic process. However, the mechanism underlying the correlation between the two in CRC is unknown. Here, we verified that a receptor-independent protein, G-protein signaling modulator 1 (GPSM1), was increased in CRC and had a significant positive correlation with matrix metalloproteinase 19 (MMP19). GPSM1 and MMP19 knockdown or overexpression decreased and increased proliferation, migration and invasion of CRC cells, respectively. In addition, overexpression or knockdown of GPSM1 and MMP19 upregulated and inhibited EMT, respectively. Interfering with MMP19 reversed EMT activation via GPSM1 overexpression. Apoptosis was induced by GPSM1 and MMP19 knockdown and activated the caspase3/Bcl-2/Bax signaling pathway. In conclusion, these results support the role of GPSM1 and MMP19 in CRC progression.

NRIR promotes immune escape in hepatocellular cancer by regulating IFNγ-induced PD-L1 expression

INTRODUCTION

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide, with insensitive treatment and poor prognosis; in recent years, breakthroughs in IFN signaling pathway and PDL1/PD1 signaling pathway in HCC immunotherapy research.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms controlling the immune response and immune evasion.

METHODS

NRIR was identified as a differential gene affecting the IFN signaling pathway and PDL1/PD1 signaling pathway in HCC by bioinformatics, and the function of NRIR was investigated in the HCC cell model and the xenograft mouse model. Quantitative Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect NRIR and PD-L1 mRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues, and dual luciferase reporter gene assay, fluorescence in situ hybridization, western blot and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) to explore the molecular mechanisms between NRIR and target genes.

RESULTS

In this study, we observed a significant positive correlation between NRIR and PD-L1 expression in HCC, and NRIR upregulated PD-L1 expression in HCC by modulating the IFNγ signaling pathway. We demonstrated that NRIR recruited the transcription factor ZNF384 to initiate CMPK2 transcription. Furthermore, CMPK2 regulates ATP production to modulate STAT1 activation to affect PD-L1 expression.

CONCLUSION

Our findings revealed the important players of NRIR in regulating PD-L1 expression in HCC and provided new insights for the clinical application of immune-targeted therapies.

The pivotal role of ZNF384: driving the malignant behavior of serous ovarian cancer cells via the LIN28B/UBD axis

Zinc finger protein 384 (ZNF384) is a highly conserved transcribed gene associated with the development of multiple tumors, however, its role and mechanism in serous ovarian cancer (SOC) are unknown. We first confirmed that ZNF384 was abnormally highly expressed in SOC tissues by bioinformatics analysis and immunohistochemistry. We further used lentivirus packaging and transfection techniques to construct ZNF384 overexpression or knockdown cell lines, and through a series of cell function experiments, gradually verified that ZNF384 promoted a series of malignant behaviors of SOC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. By establishing a xenotransplantation model in nude mice, it was confirmed that ZNF384 promoted the progress of SOC in vivo. Mechanistically, Overexpression of ZNF384 enhanced the transcriptional activity of Lin-28 homolog B (LIN28B), which promoted the malignant behavior of SOC cells. In addition, LIN28B could regulate the expression of the downstream factor ubiquitin D (UBD) in SOC cells, further promoting the development of SOC. This study shows that ZNF384 aggravates the malignant behavior of SOC cells through the LIN28B/UBD axis, which may be used as a diagnostic biomarker for patients with SOC.

scCircle-seq unveils the diversity and complexity of extrachromosomal circular DNAs in single cells

Extrachromosomal circular DNAs (eccDNAs) have emerged as important intra-cellular mobile genetic elements that affect gene copy number and exert in trans regulatory roles within the cell nucleus. Here, we describe scCircle-seq, a method for profiling eccDNAs and unraveling their diversity and complexity in single cells. We implement and validate scCircle-seq in normal and cancer cell lines, demonstrating that most eccDNAs vary largely between cells and are stochastically inherited during cell division, although their genomic landscape is cell type-specific and can be used to accurately cluster cells of the same origin. eccDNAs are preferentially produced from chromatin regions enriched in H3K9me3 and H3K27me3 histone marks and are induced during replication stress conditions. Concomitant sequencing of eccDNAs and RNA from the same cell uncovers the absence of correlation between eccDNA copy number and gene expression levels, except for a few oncogenes, including MYC, contained within a large eccDNA in colorectal cancer cells. Lastly, we apply scCircle-seq to one prostate cancer and two breast cancer specimens, revealing cancer-specific eccDNA landscapes and a higher propensity of eccDNAs to form in amplified genomic regions. scCircle-seq is a scalable tool that can be used to dissect the complexity of eccDNAs across different cell and tissue types, and further expands the potential of eccDNAs for cancer diagnostics.

Mechanosensitive genomic enhancers potentiate the cellular response to matrix stiffness

Epigenetic control of cellular transcription and phenotype is influenced by changes in the cellular microenvironment, yet how mechanical cues from these microenvironments precisely influence epigenetic state to regulate transcription remains largely unmapped. Here, we combine genome-wide epigenome profiling, epigenome editing, and phenotypic and single-cell RNA-seq CRISPR screening to identify a new class of genomic enhancers that responds to the mechanical microenvironment. These 'mechanoenhancers' could be active on either soft or stiff extracellular matrix contexts, and regulated transcription to influence critical cell functions including apoptosis, mechanotransduction, proliferation, and migration. Epigenetic editing of mechanoenhancers on rigid materials tuned gene expression to levels observed on softer materials, thereby reprogramming the cellular response to the mechanical microenvironment. These editing approaches may enable the precise alteration of mechanically-driven disease states.

Overexpressed Gαi1 exerts pro-tumorigenic activity in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

The current study tested the expression and potential functions of Gαi1 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database results demonstrate that Gαi1 transcripts' number in NPC tissues is significantly higher than that in the normal nasal epithelial tissues. Its overexpression correlates with poor survival in certain NPC patients. Moreover, Gαi1 is significantly upregulated in NPC tissues of local primary patients and in different primary human NPC cells. Whereas its expression is relatively low in cancer-surrounding normal tissues and in primary nasal epithelial cells. Genetic silencing (via shRNA strategy) or knockout (via CRISPR-sgRNA method) of Gαi1 substantially suppressed viability, proliferation, cell cycle progression, and migration in primary NPC cells, causing significant caspase-apoptosis activation. Contrarily, ectopic Gαi1 expression exerted pro-tumorigenic activity and strengthened cell proliferation and migration in primary NPC cells. Gαi1 is important for Akt-mTOR activation in NPC cells. Akt-S6K phosphorylation was downregulated after Gαi1 shRNA or KO in primary NPC cells, but strengthened following Gαi1 overexpression. In Gαi1-silenced primary NPC cells, a S473D constitutively-active mutant Akt1 (caAkt1) restored Akt-S6K phosphorylation and ameliorated Gαi1 shRNA-induced proliferation inhibition, migration reduction and apoptosis. Bioinformatics analyses proposed zinc finger protein 384 (ZNF384) as a potential transcription factor of Gαi1. In primary NPC cells, ZNF384 shRNA or knockout (via CRISPR-sgRNA method) decreased Gαi1 mRNA and protein expression, whereas ZNF384 overexpression upregulated it. Importantly, there was an increased binding between ZNF384 protein and the Gαi1 promoter in human NPC tissues and different NPC cells. In vivo studies showed that intratumoral injection of Gαi1-shRNA-expressing adeno-associated virus (AAV) impeded subcutaneous NPC xenograft growth in nude mice. Gαi1 downregulation, Akt-mTOR inactivation, and apoptosis induction were detected in Gαi1-silenced NPC xenograft tissues. Gαi1 KO also effectively inhibited the growth of NPC xenografts in nude mice. Together, overexpressed Gαi1 exerts pro-tumorigenic activity in NPC possibly by promoting Akt-mTOR activation.

Hypoxic Effects on Matrix Metalloproteinases' Expression in the Tumor Microenvironment and Therapeutic Perspectives

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is characterized by an acidic pH and low oxygen concentrations. Hypoxia induces neoplastic cell evasion of the immune surveillance, rapid DNA repair, metabolic reprogramming, and metastasis, mainly as a response to the hypoxic inducible factors (HIFs). Likewise, cancer cells increase matrix metalloproteinases' (MMPs) expression in response to TME conditions, allowing them to migrate from the primary tumor to different tissues. Since HIFs and MMPs are augmented in the hypoxic TME, it is easy to consider that HIFs participate directly in their expression regulation. However, not all MMPs have a hypoxia response element (HRE)-HIF binding site. Moreover, different transcription factors and signaling pathways activated in hypoxia conditions through HIFs or in a HIF-independent manner participate in MMPs' transcription. The present review focuses on MMPs' expression in normal and hypoxic conditions, considering HIFs and a HIF-independent transcription control. In addition, since the hypoxic TME causes resistance to anticancer conventional therapy, treatment approaches using MMPs as a target alone, or in combination with other therapies, are also discussed.

Characterization and verification of MMP family members as potential biomarkers in kidney clear cell renal carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma can arise from lesions in the renal epithelium. This particular type of cancer is prevalent in the realm of renal cancers and is associated with an unfavorable prognosis. Among these cases, over 70% are classified as kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC). Since the underlying causes of KIRC haven't been fully understood, there is an urgent need for deeper investigation into its pathogenesis. Various tools, software, and molecular analysis was used, including Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING), Cytoscape, University of ALabama at Birmingham CANcer data analysis Portal (UALCAN), muTarget, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA), OncoDB, Human Protein Atlas (HPA), cBioPortal, Kaplan-Meier (KM) plotter, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), Tumor IMmune Estimation Resource (TIMER), Encyclopedia of RNA Interactomes (ENCORI), DrugBank, Encyclopedia of RNA Interactomes (RT-qPCR), targeted bisulfide sequencing (bisulfide-seq), and receiver operating curve (ROC) to matrix metallopeptidase (MMP) gene family constituents, with the precise objective of identifying a small set of hub genes. These hub genes hold the potential to be harnessed as molecular biomarkers for KIRC. By performing STRING and CytoHubba analyses of the 24 MMP gene family members, MMP2 (matrix metallopeptidase 2), MMP9 (matrix metallopeptidase 9), MMP14 (matrix metallopeptidase 14), and MMP16 (matrix metallopeptidase 16) were recognized as hub genes having highest degree scores. After conducting an in-depth expression analysis of MMP2, MMP9, MMP14, and MMP16 using various The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases and RT-qPCR techniques, these displayed a significant increase in expression at both the mRNA and protein levels within KIRC samples when compared to control samples. The impact of the over expression of MMP2, MMP9, MMP14, and MMP16 also left a distinct mark on the worst overall survival (OS) rates of KIRC patients. Furthermore, a targeted bisulfide-seq investigation unveiled a correlation between promoter hypomethylation patterns and the up-regulation of these key genes in KIRC patients. Additionally, hub genes were involved in various diverse oncogenic pathways. In conclusion, four MMP gene family members, including MMP2, MMP9, MMP14, and MMP16 may serve as therapeutic target and molecular biomarker in KIRC.

The Roles of Zinc Finger Proteins in Colorectal Cancer

Despite colorectal cancer remaining a leading worldwide cause of cancer-related death, there remains a paucity of effective treatments for advanced disease. The molecular mechanisms underlying the development of colorectal cancer include altered cell signaling and cell cycle regulation that may result from epigenetic modifications of gene expression and function. Acting as important transcriptional regulators of normal biological processes, zinc finger proteins also play key roles in regulating the cellular mechanisms underlying colorectal neoplasia. These actions impact cell differentiation and proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, apoptosis, homeostasis, senescence, and maintenance of stemness. With the goal of highlighting promising points of therapeutic intervention, we review the oncogenic and tumor suppressor roles of zinc finger proteins with respect to colorectal cancer tumorigenesis and progression.

ZNF384–ZEB1 feedback loop regulates breast cancer metastasis

Background

Breast cancer has become the most frequently diagnosed cancer worldwide. Increasing evidence indicated that zinc finger proteins (ZNFs), the largest family of transcription factors, contribute to cancer development and progression. Although ZNF384 is overexpressed in several types of human cancer, the role of ZNF384 in breast cancer remains unknown. Therefore, our research focused on ZNF384 regulation of the malignant phenotype of breast cancer and the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Methods

CCK-8 and colony formation assays were used to evaluate cell proliferation. Transwell and scratch assays were used to evaluate the cell migration and invasion. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-qPCR and luciferase reporter assays were used to confirm the target relationship between ZNF384 and zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1). Xenografts were used to monitor the targets in vivo effects.

Results

We noted that ZNF384 was significantly overexpressed in breast cancer and highlighted the oncogenic mechanism of ZNF384. ZNF384 transactivated ZEB1 expression and induced an epithelial and mesenchymal-like phenotype, resulting in breast cancer metastasis. Furthermore, ZNF384 may be a target of miR-485-5p, and ZEB1 can up-regulate ZNF384 expression by repressing miR-485-5p expression. Together, we unveiled a feedback loop of ZNF384–ZEB1 in breast cancer metastasis.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that ZNF384 can serve as a prognostic factor and a therapeutic target for breast cancer patients.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s10020-022-00541-1.