Human steroid sulfatase induces Wnt/?-catenin signaling and epithelial-mesenchymal transition by upregulating Twist1 and HIF-1? in human prostate and cervical cancer cells.
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ABSTRACT: Steroid sulfatase (STS) catalyzes the hydrolysis of estrone sulfate and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) to their unconjugated biologically active forms. Although STS is considered a therapeutic target for estrogen-dependent diseases, the cellular functions of STS remain unclear. We found that STS induces Wnt/?-catenin s Delete ignaling in PC-3 and HeLa cells. STS increases levels of ?-catenin, phospho-?-catenin, and phospho-GSK3?. Enhanced translocation of ?-catenin to the nucleus by STS might activate transcription of target genes such as cyclin D1, c-myc, and MMP-7. STS knockdown by siRNA resulted in downregulation of Wnt/?-catenin signaling. ?-Catenin/TCF-mediated transcription was also enhanced by STS. STS induced an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as it reduced the levels of E-cadherin, whereas levels of mesenchymal markers such as N-cadherin and vimentin were enhanced. We found that STS induced Twist1 expression through HIF? activation as HIF-1? knockdown significantly blocks the ability of STS to induce Twist1 transcription. Furthermore, DHEA, but not DHEAS is capable of inducing Twist1. Treatment with a STS inhibitor prevented STS-mediated Wnt/?-catenin signaling and Twist1 expression. Interestingly, cancer cell migration, invasion, and MMPs expression induced by STS were also inhibited by a STS inhibitor. Taken together, these results suggest that STS induces Wnt/?-catenin signaling and EMT by upregulating Twist1 and HIF-1?. The ability of STS to induce the Wnt/?-catenin signaling and EMT has profound implications on estrogen-mediated carcinogenesis in human cancer cells.
SUBMITTER: Shin S
PROVIDER: S-EPMC5617449 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Sep
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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