STK33 Promotes the Proliferation and Metastasis of Human Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma via Inflammation Related Pathway

Abstract

Abstract The serine/threonine kinase STK33 has been implicated in cancer cell proliferation. Abnormal expression of STK33 is closely related to malignant tumors of many cancers. Here, we provide evidence of a critical role for STK33 in the pathogenesis and metastatic progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). In human ESCC specimens, STK33 was overexpressed and associated with poor prognosis. Silencing STK33 expression inhibited ESCC proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumor growth. Furthermore, STK33 was also involved in angiogenesis, TGFB, and inflammatory response in ESCC. Mechanistic investigations showed that STK33 regulated ESCC through multiple complex pathways. In showing that dysregulated STK33 signaling promotes ESCC growth and progression, our results suggest STK33 as a candidate therapeutic target to improve ESCC treatment.