Inhibition of SALL4 suppresses carcinogenesis of colorectal cancer via regulating Gli1 expression

Background: SALL4 is a novel oncogene mediating tumorigenesis in multiple carcinomas. However, its actual role and mechanisms participating in the development of colorectal cancer remains unclear. Methods: Immunohistochemical staining and Western blot were conducted to detect the expression of SALL4 and other molecules. siRNA of SALL4 was transfected to silence SALL4 expression in Caco-2 cell line. Flow cytometry was used for cell cycle and apoptosis analysis. Wound healing and transwell assay were used for invasion test. CCK-8 test was employed for cell proliferation and drug sensitivity assessment. Results: By inhibition of SALL4 expression, the proliferation, invasiveness and drug resistance were dramatically reduced while apoptosis rate was up-regulated. Gli1 was found to decrease its expression in SALL4 silencing cells. Moreover, the inhibition on tumorigenesis of Caco-2 by SALL4 silencing was antagonized by Gli1 up-regulation, suggesting Gli1 as a downstream target of SALL4 in cancer development. Conclusion: SALL4 inhibition limited oncogenesis on colorectal cancer by reducing Gli1 expression.