TRIM32 promotes anoikis resistance and metastasis in NSCLC by degrading CHEK2 to enhance IL-6 secretion

Abstract

Metastasis significantly contributes to the high mortality of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with anoikis resistance playing a critical role in this process. However, the role of TRIM32 in anoikis resistance and metastasis is not well understood. In this study, we demonstrate that TRIM32 enhances both anoikis resistance and metastasis in NSCLC. We confirmed the interaction between TRIM32 and CHEK2, and showed that TRIM32 mediates the degradation of CHEK2 via K48-linked polyubiquitination. Our results indicate that CHEK2 suppresses anoikis resistance and metastasis in NSCLC, both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, we found that TRIM32 upregulates IL-6 expression, an effect that is reversed by the overexpression of CHEK2. Further analysis confirmed that IL-6 plays a key role in TRIM32-mediated anoikis resistance and metastasis. Notably, TRIM32⁺CHEK2^-IL-6⁺ tumor cells were more prevalent in NSCLC tissues with lymph node metastasis. In conclusion, our findings suggest that targeting TRIM32 to inhibit anoikis resistance and metastasis, via the CHEK2/IL-6 axis, may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for treating metastatic NSCLC. The mechanisms by which TRIM32 promotes anoikis resistance and metastasis in NSCLC. Schematic diagram showing the regulatory mechanisms of TRIM32 promotes anoikis resistance and metastasis in NSCLC by degrading CHEK2 to promote IL-6 secretion.