STK33 promotes growth and progression of pancreatic cancer as a critical downstream mediator of HIF1a

Fanyang Kong, Xiangyu Kong, Yiqi Du, Ying Chen, Xuan Deng, Jianwei Zhu, Jiawei Du, Lei Li, Zhiliang Jia, Dacheng Xie, Zhaoshen Li, Keping Xie

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

29 Scopus citations

Abstract

The serine/threonine kinase STK33 has been implicated in cancer cell proliferation. Here, we provide evidence of a critical role for STK33 in the pathogenesis and metastatic progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). STK33 expression in PDAC was regulated by the hypoxia-inducible transcription factor HIF1a. In human PDAC specimens, STK33 was overexpressed and associated with poor prognosis. Enforced STK33 expression promoted PDAC proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumor growth, whereas STK33 depletion exerted opposing effects. Mechanistic investigations showed that HIF1a regulated STK33 via direct binding to a hypoxia response element in its promoter. In showing that dysregulated HIF1a/STK33 signaling promotes PDAC growth and progression, our results suggest STK33 as a candidate therapeutic target to improve PDAC treatment.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)6851-6862
Number of pages12
JournalCancer Research
Volume77
Issue number24
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 15 2017

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

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