PTEN inhibits epithelial mesenchymal transition of thyroid cancer cells by regulating the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway

Abstract Objective The global incidence of thyroid cancer (THCA) has significantly risen in recent years. This study aims to investigate the role and mechanisms of PTEN in epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion and migration of THCA cells. Methods PTEN expression in THCA was analyzed thro...

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Main Authors: Li Wei, Qianhui Liang, Chang Zhou, Rong Liu, Yun Liu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer 2024-12-01
Series:Discover Oncology
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/s12672-024-01596-8
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author Li Wei
Qianhui Liang
Chang Zhou
Rong Liu
Yun Liu
author_facet Li Wei
Qianhui Liang
Chang Zhou
Rong Liu
Yun Liu
author_sort Li Wei
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Objective The global incidence of thyroid cancer (THCA) has significantly risen in recent years. This study aims to investigate the role and mechanisms of PTEN in epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion and migration of THCA cells. Methods PTEN expression in THCA was analyzed through bioinformatics databases. RT-qPCR and Western blot analyses were performed to quantify PTEN levels in the Nthy-ori 3–1 cell line and three THCA cell types (TPC-1, B-CPAP, FTC-133). TPC-1 cells were transfected with a PTEN overexpression plasmid and treated with the Wnt activator. Cell viability and apoptosis were assessed via CCK-8 and flow cytometry, respectively. The expression levels of E-Cadherin, N-Cadherin, and Vimentin in TPC-1 cells were evaluated using Western blot. The invasive, migratory, and wound-healing abilities of the cells were examined using Transwell and scratch assays. Activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway was assessed through Western blot. Results PTEN expression was significantly lower in THCA cells, particularly in TPC-1 cells compared to other cell lines. PTEN overexpression led to decreased viability in TPC-1 cells, increased apoptosis, and a rise in E-Cadherin levels while reducing N-Cadherin and Vimentin levels, thereby inhibiting EMT. Furthermore, PTEN overexpression diminished the invasive, migratory and wound-healing capabilities of TPC-1 cells and suppressed activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Treatment with the Wnt activator partially counteracted the effects of PTEN overexpression on TPC-1 cells. Conclusion PTEN functions to inhibit EMT and the invasive and migratory characteristics of THCA cells by blocking the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
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spelling doaj-art-3725979e458f4e2ea8313a9a6bcecd462025-08-20T02:39:41ZengSpringerDiscover Oncology2730-60112024-12-0115111210.1007/s12672-024-01596-8PTEN inhibits epithelial mesenchymal transition of thyroid cancer cells by regulating the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathwayLi Wei0Qianhui Liang1Chang Zhou2Rong Liu3Yun Liu4Department of Ultrasound, The First College of Clinical Medical Sciences, China Three Gorges UniversityDepartment of Oncology, The First College of Clinical Medical Sciences, China Three Gorges UniversityDepartment of Ultrasound, The First College of Clinical Medical Sciences, China Three Gorges UniversityDepartment of Ultrasound, The First College of Clinical Medical Sciences, China Three Gorges UniversityDepartment of Ultrasound, The First College of Clinical Medical Sciences, China Three Gorges UniversityAbstract Objective The global incidence of thyroid cancer (THCA) has significantly risen in recent years. This study aims to investigate the role and mechanisms of PTEN in epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion and migration of THCA cells. Methods PTEN expression in THCA was analyzed through bioinformatics databases. RT-qPCR and Western blot analyses were performed to quantify PTEN levels in the Nthy-ori 3–1 cell line and three THCA cell types (TPC-1, B-CPAP, FTC-133). TPC-1 cells were transfected with a PTEN overexpression plasmid and treated with the Wnt activator. Cell viability and apoptosis were assessed via CCK-8 and flow cytometry, respectively. The expression levels of E-Cadherin, N-Cadherin, and Vimentin in TPC-1 cells were evaluated using Western blot. The invasive, migratory, and wound-healing abilities of the cells were examined using Transwell and scratch assays. Activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway was assessed through Western blot. Results PTEN expression was significantly lower in THCA cells, particularly in TPC-1 cells compared to other cell lines. PTEN overexpression led to decreased viability in TPC-1 cells, increased apoptosis, and a rise in E-Cadherin levels while reducing N-Cadherin and Vimentin levels, thereby inhibiting EMT. Furthermore, PTEN overexpression diminished the invasive, migratory and wound-healing capabilities of TPC-1 cells and suppressed activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Treatment with the Wnt activator partially counteracted the effects of PTEN overexpression on TPC-1 cells. Conclusion PTEN functions to inhibit EMT and the invasive and migratory characteristics of THCA cells by blocking the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.https://doi.org/10.1007/s12672-024-01596-8PTENThyroid cancerTPC-1 cellsEpithelial mesenchymal transitionWnt/β-catenin pathwayInvasion
spellingShingle Li Wei
Qianhui Liang
Chang Zhou
Rong Liu
Yun Liu
PTEN inhibits epithelial mesenchymal transition of thyroid cancer cells by regulating the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway
Discover Oncology
PTEN
Thyroid cancer
TPC-1 cells
Epithelial mesenchymal transition
Wnt/β-catenin pathway
Invasion
title PTEN inhibits epithelial mesenchymal transition of thyroid cancer cells by regulating the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway
title_full PTEN inhibits epithelial mesenchymal transition of thyroid cancer cells by regulating the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway
title_fullStr PTEN inhibits epithelial mesenchymal transition of thyroid cancer cells by regulating the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway
title_full_unstemmed PTEN inhibits epithelial mesenchymal transition of thyroid cancer cells by regulating the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway
title_short PTEN inhibits epithelial mesenchymal transition of thyroid cancer cells by regulating the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway
title_sort pten inhibits epithelial mesenchymal transition of thyroid cancer cells by regulating the wnt β catenin signaling pathway
topic PTEN
Thyroid cancer
TPC-1 cells
Epithelial mesenchymal transition
Wnt/β-catenin pathway
Invasion
url https://doi.org/10.1007/s12672-024-01596-8
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