EPHA5 promotes cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis in Follicular Thyroid Cancer via the STAT3 signaling pathway

Follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) is a common endocrine malignancy characterized by a higher propensity for invasion and metastasis compared to papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Ephrin type A receptor 5 (EPHA5) is a crucial receptor tyrosine kinase involved in orchestrating diverse physiological processes, including apoptosis and proliferation. However, the mechanism of EPHA5 in FTC remains unclear. This study identified significant overexpression of EPHA5 in FTC. In vitro experiments showed that increased expression of EPHA5 promotes proliferation and inhibits apoptosis in FTC. Furthermore, EPHA5 activates the STAT3 signaling pathway. To explore the interaction between EPHA5 and the STAT3 signaling pathway, we used SH-4-54 (a STAT3-specific inhibitor). Interestingly, the influence of EPHA5 on proliferation and apoptosis was reduced upon combination with SH-4-54. In summary, this study unveils the involvement of the EPHA5-STAT3 signaling pathway in FTC and implies that the function of EPHA5 in FTC may partly depend on the STAT3 signaling pathway.