A Novel Tumor Suppressor Gene, ZNF24, Inhibits the Development of NSCLC by Inhibiting the WNT Signaling Pathway to Induce Cell Senescence

Front Oncol. 2021 Jul 27:11:664369. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2021.664369. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

Objective: Understanding the characteristics of tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) is of great significance for the development of new targeted treatment strategies for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Therefore, this present article is to explore the underlying molecular mechanism of ZFN24 inhibiting the development of NSCLC.

Methods: We performed RT-PCR and Western blotting for evaluating associated RNA and protein expression. CCK8, colony forming and sphere-forming assays were used to evaluate the proliferation and stemness of NSCLC cells. NSCLC cell senescence was examined by β-galactosidase staining assay. Luciferase assay was performed to evaluate β-catenin transcriptional activity. The effect of ZNF24 on NSCLC cells in vivo was evaluated by the xenograft tumor experiment.

Results: Ectopic expression of ZNF24 significantly inhibited cell viability, colony forming ability, and stemness of NSCLC cells. WNT signaling pathway was inhibited by ZNF24 resulting in NSCLC cell senescence. β-catenin transcriptional activity was significantly inhibited by ZNF24 (P < 0.05). Ectopic expression of ZNF24 significantly inhibited xenotransplant tumors growth in vivo (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: ZNF24 could notably inhibit the development of NSCLC by inhibiting the WNT signaling pathway.

Keywords: WNT signaling pathway; ZNF24; non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); senescence; tumor suppressor genes (TSGs).

Publication types

  • Retracted Publication