Work

SNAPIN Facilitates Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Hindering Ferroptosis Through KEAP1 Degradation Promotion

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks among the most pervasive forms of cancer worldwide. In our study, we observed a notable overexpression of SNAPIN in human HCC tissues, which was linked closely to patient prognosis. Our experiments demonstrated that SNAPIN enhances the proliferative capacity of HCC cells. The knockdown of SNAPIN induces ferroptosis in HCC cells, whereas its overexpression partially resists the effects of ferroptosis inducers. As suggested by the above experimental findings, SNAPIN facilitates HCC progression by hindering HCC cell ferroptosis. Mechanistically, SNAPIN directly binds to KEAP1, facilitating its degradation via the autophago-lysosomal pathway, thereby undermining its stability. Consequently, NRF2 and its downstream target gene, GPX4, are upregulated. These alterations effectively mitigate lipid peroxidation damage, and ultimately impede HCC cell ferroptosis, potentially aiding in the progression of HCC. In conclusion, SNAPIN can negatively regulate the stability of KEAP1 protein, thereby initiating the NRF2/GPX4 pathway to hinder ferroptosis in HCC cells, ultimately facilitating HCC progression. Our results substantiate the pivotal function of SNAPIN in promoting HCC development, and this discovery is expected to provide an innovative therapeutic target for clinically managing HCC.

Source: Cancer Science

DOI: 10.1111/cas.70244

Authors: Xuan Liu, Weiling Xu, Zhen Li, Rongqing Li, Jin Chen, Jianhua Wang

Institutions: Xuzhou Medical College, Yancheng First People's Hospital, Yangzhou University

Language: English

Topic: Ferroptosis and cancer prognosis

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,600