TFAP2C Activates CST1 Transcription to Facilitate Breast Cancer Progression and Suppress Ferroptosis.

Cystatin SN (CST1) appears to have pro-tumor effects in breast cancer (BC) and is involved in ferroptosis; however, there is no report on the regulation of ferroptosis by CST1 for BC development. The purpose of this study is to investigate the functions and mechanisms operated by CST1 in BC development and ferroptosis. Transcription Factor Activator Protein 2γ (TFAP2C) and CST1 levels in BC tissues and estrogen receptor (ER) cells were quantified by RT-qPCR and western blotting. After knocking down TFAP2C and CST1 expression in MCF7 and T47D cells, the proliferation, colony formation ability, apoptosis, and cell cycle were assessed. Ferroptosis was verified by detecting glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4HNE) levels. The kits were used to test Fe, reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and glutathione levels, and ultrastructure of mitochondria was observed through transmission electron microscope. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation test were carried out to investigate the interaction of TFAP2C and CST1. A transplanted tumor model was established to explore the function of TFAP2C in tumorigenesis by quantifying TFAP2C, CST1, Ki67, and GPX4 levels through western blotting and immunochemistry after silencing TFAP2C. TFAP2C and CST1 were predominantly expressed in BC cells. Silencing of TFAP2C or CST1 expression suppressed ER BC cell proliferation, promoted apoptosis and ferroptosis, and blocked cell cycle transition from G1 phase to S phase. TFAP2C knockdown in transplanted tumors inhibited tumor growth and GPX4 level. Upregulating CST1 nullified the anti-tumor effects of TFAP2C knockdown and TFAP2C promoted CST1 expression through transcription activation. TFAP2C activates CST1 transcription to facilitate BC development and block ferroptosis.