OncoTargets and Therapy (Dec 2018)

CUX2 functions as an oncogene in papillary thyroid cancer

  • Sun Y,
  • Ye D,
  • Li Y,
  • Chen E,
  • Hao R,
  • Cai Y,
  • Wang Q,
  • Wang O,
  • Zhang X

Journal volume & issue
Vol. Volume 12
pp. 217 – 224

Abstract

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Yihan Sun,* Danrong Ye,* Yuefeng Li, Endong Chen, Rutian Hao, Yefeng Cai, Qingxuan Wang, Ouchen Wang, Xiaohua Zhang Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 32500, China *These authors contributed equally to this work Background: In recent years, the incidence of thyroid cancer (TC), the most common endocrine malignancy, has been increasing. Emerging evidence indicates that the CUT/CUX/CDP family of proteins can play an important role in tumor development and progression by regulating many cancer-related functions. However, the molecular functions of CUX2 in TC remain unknown. Methods: In this study, we used a series of loss-of-function experiments and Western blot analysis to investigate the function of CUX2 in TC and the mechanisms involved. Results: Our data revealed that CUX2 expression levels were upregulated in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Functionally, CUX2 silencing significantly inhibited PTC cell line (KTC-1 and BCPAP) proliferation, colony formation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis. Furthermore, CUX2 induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and influenced the phosphorylation of AKT and mTOR in the PI3K–AKT–mTOR pathways.Conclusion: In summary, CUX2 may function as a tumor promoter in TC. Keywords: papillary thyroid carcinoma, CUX2, oncogene

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