HOXB13 affects the cancer stem cell characteristics of nasopharyngeal carcinoma by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin/SOX2 pathway
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: PURPOSE: HOXB13 has been shown to act as a tumor promoter in various malignancies; however, its role in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remains unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the function of HOXB13 in NPC and elucidate its underlying mechanism to identify novel targets for NPC diagnosis and therapy. METHODS: HOXB13 expression in NPC was examined through bioinformatic analyses of the TCGA and GEO databases, and the findings were validated using molecular biology techniques. After the transfection of NPC cell lines with siRNA targeting HOXB13 (si-HOXB13), the effects of HOXB13 knockdown on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and stemness were evaluated. Expression levels of Wnt/β-catenin/SOX2 pathway-related proteins were assessed. In vivo, NPC cells transfected with sh-HOXB13 were injected into nude mice, after which tumor volume and mass were measured, and lung metastases were analyzed using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. RESULTS: cells. Additionally, si-HOXB13 significantly downregulated the protein expression of β-catenin, c-Myc, and SOX2. In vivo, the sh-HOXB13 group exhibited reduced tumor mass, volume and lung metastatic nodules compared to the sh-NC group. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that HOXB13 facilitates the malignant progression of NPC by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin/SOX2 signaling pathway, suggesting HOXB13 as a potential therapeutic and diagnostic target for NPC, thereby offering a new strategy to improve patient prognosis.
Source: Hereditas
Institution: Nanjing Medical University
Language: English
Topic: Head and Neck Cancer Studies
Subfield: Otorhinolaryngology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,590
OpenAlex ID: W4414610029