Integrin α7 is a functional cancer stem cell surface marker in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Xiao-Yan Ming, Li Fu, Li-Yi Zhang, Yan-Ru Qin, Ting-Ting Cao, Kwok Wah Chan, Stephanie Ma, Dan Xie and Xin-Yuan Guan ()
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Xiao-Yan Ming: Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong
Li Fu: Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine of Tumor and Cancer Research Centre, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University
Li-Yi Zhang: Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong
Yan-Ru Qin: The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University
Ting-Ting Cao: Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong
Kwok Wah Chan: Centre for Cancer Research, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong
Stephanie Ma: Centre for Cancer Research, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong
Dan Xie: State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center
Xin-Yuan Guan: Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong

Nature Communications, 2016, vol. 7, issue 1, 1-14

Abstract: Abstract Non-CG methylation has been associated with stemness regulation in embryonic stem cells. By comparing differentially expressed genes affected by non-CG methylation between tumour and corresponding non-tumour tissues in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), we find that Integrin α7 (ITGA7) is characterized as a potential cancer stem cell (CSC) marker. Clinical data show that a high frequency of ITGA7+ cells in OSCC tissues is significantly associated with poor differentiation, lymph node metastasis and worse prognosis. Functional studies demonstrate that both sorted ITGA7+ cells and ITGA7 overexpressing cells display enhanced stemness features, including elevated expression of stemness-associated genes and epithelial–mesenchymal transition features, as well as increased abilities to self-renew, differentiate and resist chemotherapy. Mechanistic studies find that ITGA7 regulates CSC properties through the activation of the FAK-mediated signalling pathways. As knockdown of ITGA7 can effectively reduce the stemness of OSCC cells, ITGA7 could be a potential therapeutic target in OSCC treatment.

Date: 2016
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms13568

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