Journal of Translational Medicine (Mar 2024)

Acylcarnitines promote gallbladder cancer metastasis through lncBCL2L11-THOC5-JNK axis

  • Yang Yang,
  • Huaifeng Li,
  • Ke Liu,
  • Lu Zou,
  • Shanshan Xiang,
  • Yajun Geng,
  • Xuechuan Li,
  • Shimei Qiu,
  • Jiahua Yang,
  • Xuya Cui,
  • Lin li,
  • Yang Li,
  • Weijian Li,
  • Siyuan Yan,
  • Liguo Liu,
  • Xiangsong Wu,
  • Fatao Liu,
  • Wenguang Wu,
  • Shili Chen,
  • Yingbin Liu

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-024-05091-0
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 22, no. 1
pp. 1 – 17

Abstract

Read online

Abstract Background The progression of gallbladder cancer (GBC) is accompanied by abnormal fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) metabolism. Different types of lipids perform various biological functions. This study aimed to determine the role of acyl carnitines in the molecular mechanisms of GBC progression. Methods Distribution of lipids in GBC was described by LC–MS-based lipidomics. Cellular localization, expression level and full-length of lncBCL2L11 were detected using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assays, subcellular fractionation assay and 5′ and 3′ rapid amplification of the cDNA ends (RACE), respectively. In vitro and in vivo experiments were used to verify the biological function of lncBCL2L11 in GBC cells. Methylated RNA Immunoprecipitation (MeRIP) was performed to detect the methylation levels of lncBCL2L11. RNA pull-down assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay were used to identify lncBCL2L11 interacting proteins. Co-Immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and Western blot assay were performed to validate the regulatory mechanism of lncBCL2L11 and THO complex. Results Acylcarnitines were significantly up-regulated in GBC tissues. High serum triglycerides correlated to decreased survival in GBC patients and promoted tumor migration. LncBCL2L11 was identified in the joint analysis of highly metastatic cells and RNA sequencing data. LncBCl2L11 prevented the binding of THOC6 and THOC5 and causes the degradation of THOC5, thus promoting the accumulation of acylcarnitines in GBC cells, leading to the malignant progression of cancer cells. In addition, highly expressed acylcarnitines stabilized the expression of lncBCL2L11 through N6-methyladenosine methylation (m6A), forming a positive feedback regulation in tumor dissemination. Conclusions LncBCL2L11 is involved in gallbladder cancer metastasis through FAO metabolism. High lipid intake is associated with poor prognosis of GBC. Therefore, targeting lncBCL2L11 and its pathway-related proteins or reducing lipid intake may be significant for the treatment of GBC patients.

Keywords