SLMO2 inhibits apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells by modulating mitochondrial function via TRIAP1

Histol Histopathol. 2026 Mar;41(3):439-452. doi: 10.14670/HH-18-958. Epub 2025 Jun 25.

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the role of SLMO2 in regulating mitochondrial function and its interaction with TRIAP1, which inhibited apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells. The findings provided valuable insights into potential therapeutic targets for ovarian cancer.

Methods: Lentiviral infection models were developed using SKOV3 and OVCAR3 ovarian cancer cell lines. Techniques such as flow cytometry, western blotting, immunofluorescence, and transmission electron microscopy were employed to systematically assess the regulatory effects of SLMO2 and TRIAP1 on cell proliferation, apoptosis, mitochondrial function, and autophagy. Additionally, a subcutaneous mouse tumor xenograft model was utilized to further investigate the combined effects of SLMO2 and TRIAP1 on ovarian cancer cells, with the aim of elucidating the specific mechanisms underlying tumor growth and apoptosis.

Results: SLMO2 enhanced mitochondrial function by increasing membrane potential and reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Furthermore, through its interaction with TRIAP1, SLMO2 inhibited autophagy, which further suppressed apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells and regulated mitochondrial function. In vivo experiments showed decreased ROS levels and reduced expression of autophagy-related proteins, further supporting the roles of SLMO2 and TRIAP1 in the regulation of mitochondrial function.

Conclusions: SLMO2 regulated mitochondrial function and inhibited apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells by interacting with TRIAP1. The combination of SLMO2 and TRIAP1 promoted tumor cell growth and induced oxidative stress, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for ovarian cancer.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing* / genetics
  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing* / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Apoptosis* / physiology
  • Autophagy / physiology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation / physiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Nude
  • Mitochondria* / metabolism
  • Mitochondria* / pathology
  • Ovarian Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Ovarian Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism

Substances

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • Reactive Oxygen Species