NOB1 in non-small-cell lung cancer: expression profile and clinical significance

Nin one binding (NOB1) gene has been reported up-regulated in several types of cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression profile of NOB1 in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and assess the clinical significance. qRT-PCR was used in the detection of NOB1 mRNA expression both in NSCLC tissue and in adjacent normal lung tissue. Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry were used in the detection of NOB1 protein expression. The clinicopathological implications of NOB1 were analyzed statistically. It was confirmed by RT-qPCR that expression of NOB1 mRNA in NSCLC cells was higher than in human lung cells (P < 0.05), and NOB1 mRNA was also over-expressed in NSCLC tissue when compared with adjacent tissue and normal lung tissue (P < 0.05). Western blot analysis showed that NOB1 protein was significant increased in NSCLC cell lines compared with human lung cell line. Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry showed that NOB1 protein was significant increased in NSCLC tissue compared with adjacent tissue and normal lung tissue (P < 0.05). There were significant associations between NOB1 expression and TNM stage, lymph node metastasis, and histopathological grade (P < 0.05), but not gender, age, smoke, or tumor diameter (P > 0.05). Our results suggest that enhanced expression of NOB1 gene plays an important role in the occurrence and development of NSCLC. NOB1 may be a potential therapeutic target in NSCLC.