IFI30 Knockdown Inhibits ESCC Progression by Promoting Apoptosis and Senescence via Activation of JNK and P21/P16 Pathways.

BACKGROUND

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a prevalent and deadly cancer, making it essential to understand the molecular mechanisms influencing its development and prognosis. The role of interferon-gamma-inducible protein 30 (IFI30) in antigen processing is well-established, but its impact on the progression of ESCC remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the biological function and potential mechanisms of IFI30 in ESCC progression.

METHODS

Public databases, proteomics, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were employed to analyze IFI30 expression. Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were evaluated using MTS, colony formation, wound healing, and transwell assays. Nude mouse xenograft models were established to assess the effects of IFI30 knockdown in vivo. Quantitative proteomics was utilized to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and pathways altered by IFI30 knockdown. Cell apoptosis and senescence were evaluated by flow cytometry, SA-β-gal staining, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) analysis.

RESULTS

IFI30 was highly expressed in ESCC and was correlated with advanced stage and poor prognosis. IFI30 knockdown inhibited ESCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro and suppressed tumor growth in vivo. DEPs were mainly enriched in biological pathways related to apoptosis, mitophagy, cellular senescence, and lysosome. Furthermore, IFI30 knockdown in ESCC cells upregulated HRAS expression, increased ROS production, activated the JNK signaling pathway, and elevated the expression of P16 and P21, thereby promoting apoptosis and senescence.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that IFI30 may regulate the JNK and P21/P16 pathways, exerting pro-tumorigenic effects in ESCC. IFI30 could serve as a potential novel target for ESCC treatment.