Conclusions
CST1 plays a carcinogenic role on ESCC, and miR-942-5p can regulate the migration and invasion of ESCC cells by targeting CST1 to downregulate MEK/ERK/CREB signaling pathway, suggesting that miR-942-5p/CST1 axis might be a promising target for diagnosis and treatment of ESCC.
Methods
The expression of CST1 in ESCC tissues was analyzed by TCGA database, immunohistochemistry, and RT-qPCR, respectively. Matrigel-uncoated or-coated transwell assay was used to determine the effect of CST1 on migration and invasion of ESCC cells. Regulatory effect of miR-942-5p on CST1 was detected by dual luciferase assay.
Results
CST1 was ectopically highly expressed in ESCC tissues, and had the effect on promoting the migration and invasion of ESCC cells by upregulating phosphorylated levels of key effectors including MEK1/2, ERK1/2, and CREB in MEK/ERK/CREB pathway. Dual-luciferase assay results showed that miR-942-5p had a regulatory effect on targeting CST1. Conclusions: CST1 plays a carcinogenic role on ESCC, and miR-942-5p can regulate the migration and invasion of ESCC cells by targeting CST1 to downregulate MEK/ERK/CREB signaling pathway, suggesting that miR-942-5p/CST1 axis might be a promising target for diagnosis and treatment of ESCC.