A novel function of NUCB2 in promoting the development and invasion of renal cell carcinoma

Previous studies have assessed nucleobindin 2 (NUCB2) expression in multiple urological cancer cell lines and detected its effect on renal cancer cell apoptosis. Additionally, certain reports have indicated a novel function of NUCB2 in promoting invasion in renal cancer. The levels of NUCB2 expression in different tumor cell lines were detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Human NUCB2 and β-actin (ACTB) cDNA plasmids were inserted into lentivirus plasmids, which were then transfected into 786-O cells. Western blotting and RT-qPCR were then performed to determine the gene expression in NUCB2-knocked down cells. Apoptosis was also examined by flow cytometry subsequent to successful transfection. Finally, a transwell invasion assay was performed to investigate the effects on invasive abilities in renal cancer cells. The RT-qPCR results demonstrated a high expression of NUCB2 in 786-O, ACHN and LNCaP cells, and there was particularly high expression in renal cancer 786-O cells. Following successful transfection, downregulation of NUCB2 facilitated renal carcinoma cell apoptosis, as demonstrated by an increased apoptosis rate in the lenti-NUCB2-KD 786-O cells (13.72±0.84 vs. 3.32±0.10; lenti-NUCB2-KD group vs. negative control). Notably, a significant decreased invasion rate was observed in the NUCB2 knocked-down cells compared with negative control, suggesting an invasion-promoting effect of NUCB2. These results suggested a novel function of NUCB2 in the process of development and invasion in renal cell carcinoma. NUCB2 may be an important prognostic factor and target in the diagnosis and treatment of human renal cancer.