PCSK9 promotes progression of anaplastic thyroid cancer through E-cadherin endocytosis

Abstract Although anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) constitutes only 1–2% of all thyroid malignancies, it is associated with an exceptionally high mortality rate, accounting for 14–39% of thyroid cancer-related deaths. In this study, we identified the critical role of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/...

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Main Authors: Yu Zhang, Wei Su, Xiaoyu Ji, Zhou Yang, Qing Guan, Yuanxin Pang, Linkun Zhong, Yu Wang, Jun Xiang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Publishing Group 2025-05-01
Series:Cell Death and Disease
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41419-025-07690-1
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author Yu Zhang
Wei Su
Xiaoyu Ji
Zhou Yang
Qing Guan
Yuanxin Pang
Linkun Zhong
Yu Wang
Jun Xiang
author_facet Yu Zhang
Wei Su
Xiaoyu Ji
Zhou Yang
Qing Guan
Yuanxin Pang
Linkun Zhong
Yu Wang
Jun Xiang
author_sort Yu Zhang
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Although anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) constitutes only 1–2% of all thyroid malignancies, it is associated with an exceptionally high mortality rate, accounting for 14–39% of thyroid cancer-related deaths. In this study, we identified the critical role of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) in ATC progression. Proteomic analysis revealed E-cadherin as a key mediator of PCSK9-driven malignancy in ATC. Mechanistically, PCSK9 promotes the degradation of E-cadherin through the lysosomal pathway. Furthermore, the loss of the p53 function, particularly the R248Q mutation, de-repressed PCSK9 expression at the transcriptional level. Notably, the PCSK9 inhibitor PF-846 considerably suppressed ATC proliferation and metastasis in both in vitro and in vivo models. In conclusion, PCSK9 enhances ATC malignancy by regulating E-cadherin degradation via the lysosomal pathway, underscoring its potential as a promising therapeutic target.
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publishDate 2025-05-01
publisher Nature Publishing Group
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series Cell Death and Disease
spelling doaj-art-534b6346b7364ee6a87a455f8b931ec22025-08-20T03:09:20ZengNature Publishing GroupCell Death and Disease2041-48892025-05-0116111410.1038/s41419-025-07690-1PCSK9 promotes progression of anaplastic thyroid cancer through E-cadherin endocytosisYu Zhang0Wei Su1Xiaoyu Ji2Zhou Yang3Qing Guan4Yuanxin Pang5Linkun Zhong6Yu Wang7Jun Xiang8Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterDepartment of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan UniversityDepartment of Oncology, Huashan Hospital Fudan UniversityDepartment of Head and Neck Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterDepartment of Head and Neck Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterDepartment of Endocrinology, Suzhou Ninth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Soochow UniversityDepartment of General Surgery, Zhongshan City People’s HospitalDepartment of Head and Neck Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterDepartment of Head and Neck Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterAbstract Although anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) constitutes only 1–2% of all thyroid malignancies, it is associated with an exceptionally high mortality rate, accounting for 14–39% of thyroid cancer-related deaths. In this study, we identified the critical role of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) in ATC progression. Proteomic analysis revealed E-cadherin as a key mediator of PCSK9-driven malignancy in ATC. Mechanistically, PCSK9 promotes the degradation of E-cadherin through the lysosomal pathway. Furthermore, the loss of the p53 function, particularly the R248Q mutation, de-repressed PCSK9 expression at the transcriptional level. Notably, the PCSK9 inhibitor PF-846 considerably suppressed ATC proliferation and metastasis in both in vitro and in vivo models. In conclusion, PCSK9 enhances ATC malignancy by regulating E-cadherin degradation via the lysosomal pathway, underscoring its potential as a promising therapeutic target.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41419-025-07690-1
spellingShingle Yu Zhang
Wei Su
Xiaoyu Ji
Zhou Yang
Qing Guan
Yuanxin Pang
Linkun Zhong
Yu Wang
Jun Xiang
PCSK9 promotes progression of anaplastic thyroid cancer through E-cadherin endocytosis
Cell Death and Disease
title PCSK9 promotes progression of anaplastic thyroid cancer through E-cadherin endocytosis
title_full PCSK9 promotes progression of anaplastic thyroid cancer through E-cadherin endocytosis
title_fullStr PCSK9 promotes progression of anaplastic thyroid cancer through E-cadherin endocytosis
title_full_unstemmed PCSK9 promotes progression of anaplastic thyroid cancer through E-cadherin endocytosis
title_short PCSK9 promotes progression of anaplastic thyroid cancer through E-cadherin endocytosis
title_sort pcsk9 promotes progression of anaplastic thyroid cancer through e cadherin endocytosis
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41419-025-07690-1
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