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Updated: Feb 14, 2026
Detection of Targetable Alterations in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer using Next-generation Sequencing
Published on: October 10, 2025
The microtubule-associated protein PRC1 is a potential therapeutic target for lung cancer
Steffen Hanselmann1, Patrick Wolter1, Jonas Malkmus1
1Theodor Boveri Institute, Biocenter, University of Wuerzburg and Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University of Wuerzburg, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany.
Abstract:
In this study, we investigated whether proteins that are involved in cytokinesis are potential targets for therapy of lung cancer. We find that the microtubule-associated protein PRC1 (protein required for cytokinesis 1), which plays a key role in organizing anti-parallel microtubule in the central spindle in cytokinesis, is overexpressed in lung cancer cell lines compared to normal cells. Increased expression of PRC1 is correlated with a poor prognosis of human lung adenocarcinoma patients. Lentiviral delivered, inducible RNAi of PRC1 demonstrated that proliferation of lung cancer cell lines strongly depends on PRC1. Significantly, we also show that PRC1 is required for tumorigenesis in vivo using a mouse model for non-small cell lung cancer driven by oncogenic K-RAS and loss of p53. When PRC1 is depleted by in vivo RNA interference, lung tumor formation is significantly reduced. Although PRC1 has been suggested to regulate Wnt/ß-catenin signaling in cancer cells, we find no evidence for a role of PRC1 in this pathway in lung cancer. Instead, we show that the depletion of PRC1 results in a strong increase in bi- and multinuclear cells due to defects in cytokinesis. This ultimately leads to apoptosis and senescence. Together these data establish PRC1 as a potential target for therapy of lung cancer.
Insights
Protein Required for Cytokinesis 1 (PRC1) is overexpressed in lung cancer and drives tumor growth. Depleting PRC1 inhibits lung cancer cell proliferation and tumorigenesis, suggesting PRC1 as a potential therapeutic target.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Cytokinesis is crucial for cell division.
- Proteins regulating cytokinesis are potential cancer therapeutic targets.
- Lung cancer exhibits dysregulated cellular processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of cytokinesis proteins in lung cancer.
- To determine if Protein Required for Cytokinesis 1 (PRC1) is a viable therapeutic target for lung cancer.
Main Methods:
- Overexpression analysis of PRC1 in lung cancer cell lines versus normal cells.
- Correlation analysis between PRC1 expression and patient prognosis.
- Inducible RNA interference (RNAi) of PRC1 in vitro and in vivo mouse models for non-small cell lung cancer.
- Assessment of cell proliferation, tumorigenesis, and cell cycle progression upon PRC1 depletion.
Main Results:
- PRC1 is overexpressed in lung cancer cell lines and associated with poor prognosis in lung adenocarcinoma patients.
- Lung cancer cell proliferation and tumorigenesis in vivo are dependent on PRC1.
- PRC1 depletion leads to cytokinesis defects, resulting in multinuclear cells, apoptosis, and senescence.
- PRC1 does not appear to regulate Wnt/ß-catenin signaling in lung cancer.
Conclusions:
- PRC1 is essential for lung cancer cell proliferation and tumorigenesis.
- PRC1 overexpression and its role in cytokinesis defects highlight its potential as a therapeutic target for lung cancer.
- Targeting PRC1 may offer a novel strategy for lung cancer treatment.
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