JUND facilitates proliferation and angiogenesis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell via MAPRE2 up-regulation

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a globally aggressive malignant tumor. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of JUND in ESCC development via MAPRE2. ESCC cells (KYSE-450 and ECA109) were transfected with small interfering RNA (si)-JUND, si-MAPRE2, si-JUND, or pcDNA3.1-MAPRE2. JUND and MAPRE2 expression in ESCC cells was detected with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot. Cell counting kit-8 and 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine assays were used to determine ESCC cell proliferation. Dual-luciferase reporter gene and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were performed to assess binding between JUND and MAPRE2. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were co-cultured with ESCC cell supernatants. Angiogenesis was assessed with an in vitro angiogenesis assay. Western blot was conducted to evaluate the expression of angiogenic proteins [vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9), and angiopoietin-2 (ang2)]. The levels of expression of JUND and MAPRE2 were high in ESCC cells. Mechanistically, JUND bound to MAPRE2 promoter and increased MAPRE2 transcription. Downregulation of JUND or MAPRE2 inhibited KYSE-450 and ECA109 cell proliferation and reduced the levels of expression of VEGFA, MMP-9, and ang2 and tube formation in HUVECs co-cultured with ESCC cell supernatants. MAPRE2 upregulation counteracted the inhibitory effects of JUND silencing on cell proliferative and angiogenic capabilities in ESCC. JUND promoted MAPRE2 transcription, thereby facilitating cell proliferative and angiogenic abilities in ESCC.