STIM1 promotes cervical cancer progression through autophagy activation via TFEB nuclear translocation

Background: Autophagy plays an important role in maintaining the stability of intracellular environment, abnormal autophagy is associated with the occurrence and progression of cancer, the role of STIM1 in regulating cancer autophagy remains controversial, and its clinical relevance is unclear. Our study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of STIM1 on cervical cancer, thus to provide new molecular therapeutic targets for cervical cancer in clinic.

Methods: We collected CIN III, FIGO IB and IIA fresh Specimens without chemotherapy from patients in Renmin Hospital of Hubei University of Medicine (n = 10). STIM1, TFEB and autophagy related proteins of different stage tissues were detected. In vitro, SKF96365 and AncoA4 were used to inhibit STIM1-administrated Ca²⁺ entry of SiHa cells, Cyclosporine A (calcineurin inhibitors) were used to inhibit CaN/TFEB pathway, Ad-mCherry-GFPLC3B was used to detect autophagy flux, shSTIM1 was used to knockdown STIM1 expression.

Results: The expression levels of STIM1, TFEB and autophagy related proteins were positively correlated with the progression of cervical cancer. Inhibition of STIM1-mediated SOCE can decrease proliferation and migration, and promoted the apoptosis of cervical cancer cells. Knockdown STIM1 can inhibit autophagy and TFEB nuclear translocation.

Conclusion: STIM1 can promote autophagy and accelerate cervical cancer progression by increasing TFEB nuclear translocation of cervical cancer cells.