PLCD1 Suppressed Cellular Proliferation, Invasion, and Migration via Inhibition of Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Background Phospholipase C delta 1 (PLCD1) has been found to be abnormally expressed in various cancers. However, the potential roles of PLCD1 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) are still unknown. Methods Western blot and qPCR were used to explore PLCD1 expression in various ESCC cells. MTT, colony formation assays, wound-healing assay, and transwell cell invasion assay were used to examine the cell viability in vitro. Western blot, qPCR, and luciferase assays were used to investigate the effects of PLCD1 on Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway. The xenograft models in nude mice were established to explore the roles of PLCD1 in vivo. Results We found that the expression of PLCD1 in ESCC cells was significantly downregulated than that in normal esophageal epithelial cells. In addition, upregulation of PLCD1 decreased the capacity of TE-1 and EC18 cells in proliferation, invasion, and migration. Then, the expression of beta-catenin/p-beta-catenin, C-myc, cyclin D1, MMP9, and MMP7 was investigated. PLCD1 activity was found to be negatively associated with the expression of beta-catenin, C-myc, cyclin D1, MMP9, and MMP7. Finally, the activity of PLCD1 in inhibiting ESCC proliferation in vivo was validated. Conclusion The inhibitory effects of PLCD1 on the proliferation, invasion, and migration of TE-1 and EC18 cells might be associated with inhibition of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway. PLCD1 played a key role in inhibiting ESCC carcinogenesis and progression in patients with ESCC.