ZNF862 induces cytostasis and apoptosis via the p21‐RB1 and Bcl‐xL‐Caspase 3 signaling pathways in human gingival fibroblasts

Abstract Objective This study investigates the effects of ZNF862 on the proliferation and apoptosis of human gingival fibroblasts and their related mechanisms. Background As a major transcription factor family, zinc finger proteins (ZFPs) regulate cell differentiation, growth, and apoptosis through their conserved zinc finger motifs, which allow high flexibility and specificity in gene regulation. In our previous study, ZNF862 mutation was associated with hereditary gingival fibromatosis. Nevertheless, little is known about the biological function of ZNF862. Therefore, this study was aimed to reveal intracellular localization of ZNF862, the influence of ZNF862 on the growth and apoptosis of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and its potential related mechanisms. Methods Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence staining, and western blotting were performed to determine the intracellular localization of ZNF862 in HGFs. HGFs were divided into three groups: ZNF862 overexpression group, ZNF862 interference group, and the empty vector control group. Then, the effects of ZNF862 on cell proliferation, migration, cell cycle, and apoptosis were evaluated. qRT‐PCR and western blotting were performed to further explore the mechanism related to the proliferation and apoptosis of HGFs. Results ZNF862 was found to be localized in the cytoplasm of HGFs. In vitro experiments revealed that ZNF862 overexpression inhibited HGFs proliferation and migration, induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1‐phase and apoptosis. Whereas, ZNF862 knockdown promoted HGFs proliferation and migration, accelerated the transition from the G0/G1 phase into the S and G2/M phase and inhibited cell apoptosis. Mechanistically, the effects of ZNF862 on HGFs proliferation and apoptosis were noted to be dependent on inhibiting the cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (p21)‐retinoblastoma 1 (RB1) signaling pathway and enhancing the B‐cell lymphoma‐extra‐large (Bcl‐xL)‐Caspase 3 signaling pathway. Conclusion Our results for the first time reveal that ZNF862 is localized in the cytoplasm of HGFs. ZNF862 can inhibit the proliferation of HGFs by inhibiting the p21‐RB1 signaling pathway, and it also promotes the apoptosis of HGFs by enhancing the Bcl‐xL‐Caspase 3 signaling pathway.