Dual role of the ∆Np63-miR-141-3p-YAP1 axis in regulating proliferation, migration, and EMT in different cervical carcinoma cell lines

Abstract

Cervical cancer (CC) represents a substantial public health burden, requiring the development of inventive therapeutic approaches. This study explored the functional relationship between the p63 isoform (ΔNp63) and miR-141-3p in modulating migration, invasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in two CC cell lines, CaSki, which are human cervical squamous carcinoma cells, and HeLa, which are human cervical adenocarcinoma cells. Our findings revealed dual functions of the ΔNp63-miR-141-3p-YAP1 axis, demonstrating its prometastatic role in HeLa cells through the upregulation of YAP1 and the promotion of proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT. Conversely, the same axis demonstrated an antimetastatic function in CaSki cells by downregulating YAP1. Notably, YAP1 expression is significantly greater in ADC than in SCC, highlighting its contribution to the aggressive nature of ADC. These data indicate that targeting the ΔNp63-miR-141-3p-YAP1 axis can offer subtype-specific therapeutic options for managing CC.