The RNA-binding protein Sam68 is critical for non-small cell lung cancer cell proliferation by regulating...

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Oncology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Sam68 is an RNA-binding protein regulating diverse cellular processes.
• Its role in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the expression, clinical significance, and biological function of Sam68 in NSCLC.
• To determine if Sam68 could serve as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for NSCLC.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to assess Sam68 expression.
• Statistical analyses (X², Kaplan-Meier) correlated Sam68 levels with clinicopathological features and survival.
• In vitro loss-of-function studies (siRNA-mediated knockdown) evaluated Sam68's impact on NSCLC cell behavior and signaling pathways.

Main Results:

• Sam68 was significantly overexpressed in NSCLC tissues and cell lines.
• High Sam68 expression correlated with advanced clinical T stage, higher tumor grade, and shorter overall survival.
• Sam68 knockdown inhibited NSCLC cell proliferation, colony formation, and cell cycle progression, primarily through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Conclusions:

• Upregulation of Sam68 in NSCLC is associated with poor prognosis.
• Sam68 promotes NSCLC cell proliferation by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
• Sam68 represents a potential novel biomarker for NSCLC prognosis and a therapeutic target.