LanCL1 protects prostate cancer cells from oxidative stress via suppression of JNK pathway

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in male. Numerous studies have focused on the molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis and progression, aiming at developing new therapeutic strategies. Here we describe Lanthionine synthase C-like protein 1 (LanCL1), a member of the LanCL family, is a potential prostate cancer susceptibility gene. LanCL1 promotes prostate cancer cell proliferation and helps protect cells from damage caused by oxidative stress. Suppression of LanCL1 by siRNA results in increased cancer cell apoptosis. Clinical data also indicate that LanCL1 upregulation in human prostate cancers correlates with tumor progression. Finally, we demonstrate that LanCL1 plays such important role through inhibiting JNK pathway. Altogether, our results suggest that LanCL1 protects cells from oxidative stress, and promotes cell proliferation. LanCL1 reduces cell death via suppression of JNK signaling pathway.