Prevotella promotes proliferation and migration in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by activating NF-κB signaling pathway

Abstract

Abstract Purpose Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a highly fatal malignant tumor of the digestive tract. Although the relationship between the bacterial genus Prevotella and ESCC has attracted attention recently, its specific role and molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Methods In this study, we employed 16S rDNA sequencing technology to analyze the differences in Prevotella in 25 cases of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and adjacent tissues (3 cm from the lesion). Subsequently, we co-cultured Prevotella with ESCC cells Eca109 and TE- 1, and through CCK8 assays, colony formation assays, and scratch assays, we investigated the influence of Prevotella on the proliferation and migration abilities of ESCC cells. Utilizing qT-PCR and protein immunoblot assays to examine the expression of proteins related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and NF-κB. Results The relative abundance of Prevotella was markedly elevated in ESCC tissues as compared to adjacent non-tumor tissues. Upon infection, we observed a significant enhancement in the proliferation and migration capacities of ESCC cells. Besides, the stimulation by Prevotella led to a significant upregulation in the expression of essential EMT-associated proteins, including N-cadherin, Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9), and Vimentin, in ESCC cells, with a concurrent downregulation of E-cadherin. Quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis further indicated that the mRNA levels of NF-κB and c-Myc and the protein expression of Bcl-xl and NF-κB were significant upregulation in ESCC cells by stimulating with Prevotella. Conclusion Our research unveiled the pivotal role of Prevotella in the genesis and advancement of ESCC, proposing its influence on ESCC proliferation, migration, and EMT process via the NF-κB pathway, Our results offered a novel avenue for delving into the microbial mechanisms underpinning esophageal cancer.