The role of TMEM26 in disrupting tight junctions and activating NF-κB signaling to promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Objectives: Metastasis is one of the biggest challenges in the management of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (ESCC), of which molecular mechanisms remain elusive. The present study aimed to explore the roles and underlying mechanisms of Transmembrane protein 26 (TMEM26) in ESCC.

Method: TMEM26 expressions in tumorous and adjacent tissues from patients with ESCC and in normal esophageal epithelial and ESCC cell lines were detected by immunostaining and western blotting, respectively. The Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT), a critical process during metastasis, was investigated by wound healing and Transwell assays, and EMT-related proteins were examined after the TMEM26 alteration in ESCC cell lines. NF-κB signaling activation and Tight Junction (TJ) protein expression were analyzed by western blotting and immunofluorescence, respectively. In vivo verification was performed on the liver metastatic murine model.

Results: Compared with non-cancerous esophageal tissues and cells, the TMEM26 expression level was higher in ESCC samples and cell lines, where the plasma membrane localization of TMEM26 was observed. The EMT-related processes of ESCC cells were suppressed by RNAi depletion of TMEM26 but aggravated by TMEM26 overexpression. Mechanistically, TMEM26 promoted NF-κB signaling to accelerate EMT in ESCC cells. The plasma membrane presentation and assembly of TJ proteins were impaired by TMEM26.

Conclusion: Overall, TMEM26 acts as a critical determinant for EMT in ESCC cells by disrupting TJ formation and promoting NF-κB signaling, which may be a potential therapeutic target for treating metastatic ESCC.