Title:Non-canonical Small GTPase RBJ Promotes NSCLC Progression Through the
Canonical MEK/ERK Signaling Pathway
Volume: 28
Issue: 42
Author(s): Yujin Wang, Xiaoyan Shen, Qingwen Wang, Zixin Guo, Liwen Hu, Zhe Dong*Weidong Hu*
Affiliation:
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors & Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
Keywords:
RBJ, NSCLC, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), MEK/ERK, GTPase, Ras superfamily.
Abstract:
Background: Although the majority of members belonging to the small GTPase Ras superfamily
have been studied in several malignancies, the function of RBJ has remained unclear, particularly in non-small
cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Objective: The research aims to determine the function of RBJ in NSCLC.
Methods: The levels of RBJ protein in tumor tissue and para-carcinoma normal tissue were ascertained via immunohistochemistry
(IHC). The growth, migration, and invasion of NSCLC cells were assessed by 5-
ethynyl-2-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay, colony formation, cell counting kit-8 (CCK8), transwell and wound healing
assays. Furthermore, a nude mouse xenograft model was established to study the function of RBJ in tumorigenesis
in vivo.
Results: The IHC analysis revealed that the protein levels of RBJ were notably increased in tumor tissue and
positively associated with the clinical stage. In addition, the knockdown of RBJ restrained the growth, invasion,
and migration of NSCLC cell lines by inhibiting the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) through the
MEK/ERK signaling pathway. Accordingly, opposite results were observed when RBJ was overexpressed. In
addition, the overexpression of RBJ accelerated tumor formation by A549 cells in nude mice.
Conclusion: RBJ promoted cancer progression in NSCLC by activating EMT via the MEK/ERK signaling.
Thus, RBJ could be used as a potential therapeutic against NSCLC.