The role of transcriptional factor Prox1 in the antiproliferative action of IFN-γ against esophageal cancer

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We previously reported IFN-_Y-induced apoptosis in 10 of 31 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cell lines. However, the molecular basis of antiproliferative action by IFN-_Y remains elusive. We explore the link between Prox1 and the IFN-_Y system in ESCC cells. IFN-_Y induced Prox1 expression in ESCC cells but not in those transfected with dominant-negative STAT1. Cell growth inhibition by IFN-_Y was significantly suppressed in ESCC cells transfected with Prox1 siRNA. In addition, overexpression of Prox1 induced antiproliferative effect in ESCC cells. We also demonstrate that Prox1 is expressed in primary esophageal cancer tissues (five of nine samples treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy before surgery). These results suggested that Prox1 may be a candidate target for novel therapeutic strategies of ESCCs.