Overexpression of aquaporin1 plays a vital role in proliferation, apoptosis and pyroptosis in Wilms' tumor
Background: Nephroblastoma, also known as Wilms' tumor (WT), is an embryonic malignant tumor and one of the most common malignant tumors in the abdominal region of children. Previous studies have demonstrated that aquaporin 1 (AQP1), a highly expressed channel protein in the kidneys, is closely associated with various diseases and also plays a significant role in tumorigenesis and progression. However, the exact role and underlying mechanisms of AQP1 in the occurrence and development of nephroblastoma remain unclear. Methods: After overexpression of AQP1, cell proliferation was assessed using the CCK-8 proliferation assay and EdU staining. Flow cytometry was employed to detect cell apoptosis, and Western blotting (WB) analysis was conducted to validate the expression of relevant protein markers. mRNA Sequencing (mRNA-Seq) was performed on WT cells with AQP1 overexpression to predict and characterize the associated mechanisms. Transmission electron microscopy was utilized to observe changes in the ultrastructure of WT cells undergoing apoptosis and pyroptosis following AQP1 overexpression. Functional in vivo validation was conducted through animal experiments. Results: We validated at both in vitro and in vivo levels that overexpression of AQP1 inhibited cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis and pyroptosis. mRNA-Seq analysis of WT cells with AQP1 overexpression suggested that these effects might be mediated through the inhibition of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, which was further experimentally validated. Additionally, we discovered that overexpression of AQP1 activated the classical pyroptosis signaling pathway dependent on Caspase-1, thereby promoting pyroptosis in WT. Conclusion: These findings highlight the significant functional role of AQP1 in the pathobiology of nephroblastoma, providing novel insights into the development of this disease. Moreover, these results offer new perspectives on the potential therapeutic targeting of AQP1 as a treatment strategy for nephroblastoma. Overall design: The experimental objective is to investigate the precise role and underlying mechanisms of AQP1 in the occurrence and development of nephroblastoma, providing novel insights into the pathobiology of this disease and offering new perspectives on the potential therapeutic targeting of AQP1 as a treatment strategy for nephroblastoma.