Implication of STAT3 signaling in human colonic cancer cells during intestinal trefoil factor 3 (TFF3) - and vascular endothelial growth factor-mediated cellular invasion and tumor growth

Rivat Christine, Rodrigues Sylvie, Bruyneel Erik, Piétu Geneviève, Robert Amélie, Redeuilh Gérard, Bracke Marc, Gespach Christian, Attoub Samir

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

122 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3 is overexpressed or activated in most types of human tumors and has been classified as an oncogene. In the present study, we investigated the contribution of the STAT3s to the proinvasive activity of trefoil factors (TFF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in human colorectal cancer cells HCT8/S11 expressing VEGF receptors. Both intestinal trefoil peptide (TFF3) and VEGF, but not pS2 (TFF1), activate STAT3 signaling through Tyr705 phosphorylation of both STAT3α and STAT3β isoforms. Blockade of STAT3 signaling by STAT3β, depletion of the STAT3α/β isoforms by RNA interference, and pharmacologic inhibition of STAT3α/β phosphorylation by cucurbitacin or STAT3 inhibitory peptide abrogates TFF- and VEGF-induced cellular invasion and reduces the growth of HCT8/S11 tumor xenografts in athymic mice. Differential gene expression analysis using DNA microarrays revealed that overexpression of STAT3β down-regulates the VEGF receptors Flt-1, neuropilins 1 and 2, and the inhibitor of DNA binding/differentiation (Id-2) gene product involved in the neoplastic transformation. Taken together, our data suggest that TFF3 and the essential tumor angiogenesis regulator VEGF 165 exert potent proinvasive activity through STAT3 signaling in human colorectal cancer cells. We also validate new therapeutic strategies targeting STAT3 signaling by pharmacologic inhibitors and RNA interference for the treatment of colorectal cancer patients.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)195-202
Number of pages8
JournalCancer Research
Volume65
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - Jan 1 2005
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

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