LEF1 Enhances the Progression of Colonic Adenocarcinoma via Remodeling the Cell Motility Associated Structures

Lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1 (LEF1) is a key transcription factor mediating the Wnt signaling pathway. LEF1 is a regulator that is closely associated with tumor malignancy and is usually upregulated in cancers, including colonic adenocarcinoma. The underlying molecular mechanisms of LEF1 regulation for colonic adenocarcinoma progression remain unknown. To explore it, the LEF1 expression in caco2 cells was inhibited using an shRNA approach. The results showed that downregulation of LEF1 inhibited the malignancy and motility associated microstructures, such as polymerization of F-actin, β-tubulin, and Lamin B1 in caco2 cells. LEF1 inhibition suppressed the expression of epithelial/endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) relevant genes. Overall, the current results demonstrated that LEF1 plays a pivotal role in maintaining the malignancy of colonic adenocarcinoma by remodeling motility correlated microstructures and suppressing the expression of EMT-relevant genes. Our study provided evidence of the roles LEF1 played in colonic adenocarcinoma progression, and suggest LEF1 as a potential target for colonic adenocarcinoma therapy.