The Importance of CYP19A1 in Estrogen Receptor-Positive Cholangiocarcinoma

In this study, we investigated the expressions of CYP19A1 and estrogen-related proteins in CCA tissues (n = 74; 51 males and 23 females) using immunohistochemistry. The results showed that CYP19A1 was overexpressed in CCA cells compared with that in normal bile duct cells in the adjacent tissues. High expression of CYP19A1 was correlated with the metastatic status of the patients. High CYP19A1 expr ession was also positively correlated with GPR30 expression. Correlation between high CYP19A1 expression in the tumor tissues and shorter survival time was more prominent in male than in female CCA patients. To elucidate further, the effect of CYP19A1 knockdown on a CCA cell line was examined using a specific siRNA. When CYP19A1 gene expression was suppressed, migration and proliferation activities of CCA cells were significantly reduced. Moreover, the cell proliferation of high CYP19A1-expressing KKU-213 cells was more profoundly suppressed by CYP19A1 inhibitors (exemestane and letrozole) tha n low CYP19A1-expressing KKU-100 cells. Thus, CYP19A1 promotes CCA progression with aggressive clinical outcomes via increased migration and proliferation activities of cancer cells. CYP19A1 can be a potential chemotherapeutic target for CCA, especially in male patients.
Source: Hormones and Cancer - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research