Shang Wu, Xindi Ma, Xiangmei Zhang, Kaiye Du, Chao Shi, Ahmed Ali Almaamari, Boye Han, Suwen Su, Yunjiang Liu
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: While NDUFAF6 is implicated in breast cancer, its specific role remains unclear.
Methods: The expression levels and prognostic significance of NDUFAF6 in breast cancer were assessed using The Cancer Genome Atlas, Gene Expression Omnibus, Kaplan-Meier plotter and cBio-Portal databases. We knocked down NDUFAF6 in breast cancer cells using small interfering RNA and investigated its effects on cell proliferation and migration ability. We performed gene expression analysis and validated key findings using protein analysis. We also assessed mitochondrial activity and cellular metabolism.
Results: NDUFAF6 was highly expressed in breast cancer, which was associated with a poorer prognosis. Knockdown of NDUFAF6 reduced the proliferation and migration ability of breast cancer cells. Transcriptome analysis revealed 2,101 differentially expressed genes enriched in apoptosis and mitochondrial signaling pathways. Western blot results showed NDUFAF6 knockdown enhanced apoptosis. In addition, differential gene enrichment analysis was related to mitochondrial signaling pathways, and western blot results verified that mitophagy was enhanced in NDUFAF6 knockdown breast cancer cells. JC-1 assay also showed that mitochondrial dysfunction and reactive oxygen species content were increased after knocking down NDUFAF6. In addition, basal and maximal mitochondrial oxygen consumption decreased, and intracellular glycogen content increased.
Conclusions: Knockdown of NDUFAF6 resulted in apoptosis and mitophagy in breast cancer cells and NDUFAF6 may be a potential molecular target for breast cancer therapy.
期刊介绍:
Cancer, the second leading cause of death, is a heterogenous group of over 100 diseases. Cancer is characterized by disordered and deregulated cellular and stromal proliferation accompanied by reduced cell death with the ability to survive under stresses of nutrient and growth factor deprivation, hypoxia, and loss of cell-to-cell contacts. At the molecular level, cancer is a genetic disease that develops due to the accumulation of mutations over time in somatic cells. The phenotype includes genomic instability and chromosomal aneuploidy that allows for acceleration of genetic change. Malignant transformation and tumor progression of any cell requires immortalization, loss of checkpoint control, deregulation of growth, and survival. A tremendous amount has been learned about the numerous cellular and molecular genetic changes and the host-tumor interactions that accompany tumor development and progression. It is the goal of the field of Molecular Oncology to use this knowledge to understand cancer pathogenesis and drug action, as well as to develop more effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for cancer. This includes preventative strategies as well as approaches to treat metastases. With the availability of the human genome sequence and genomic and proteomic approaches, a wealth of tools and resources are generating even more information. The challenge will be to make biological sense out of the information, to develop appropriate models and hypotheses and to translate information for the clinicians and the benefit of their patients. Cancer Biology & Therapy aims to publish original research on the molecular basis of cancer, including articles with translational relevance to diagnosis or therapy. We will include timely reviews covering the broad scope of the journal. The journal will also publish op-ed pieces and meeting reports of interest. The goal is to foster communication and rapid exchange of information through timely publication of important results using traditional as well as electronic formats. The journal and the outstanding Editorial Board will strive to maintain the highest standards for excellence in all activities to generate a valuable resource.