Ectodermal‑neural cortex 1 affects the biological function of lung cancer through the MAPK pathway.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Ectodermal-neural cortex 1 (ENC1) is identified as a highly expressed protein in lung cancer tissues via the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database.
• Understanding the role of ENC1 in lung cancer progression is crucial for identifying novel therapeutic targets.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the functional role of ENC1 in lung cancer cell biological functions, including proliferation, migration, and invasion.
• To evaluate ENC1 as a potential diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for lung cancer.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blot analysis were used to assess ENC1 expression in lung cancer tissues and cell lines.
• Small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting ENC1 (si-ENC1) was employed to downregulate ENC1 expression in lung cancer cells (A549, H1299).
• Cell proliferation was measured using the CCK-8 assay, while cell migration and invasion were assessed via Transwell assays. A mouse xenotransplantation model was used to evaluate in vivo tumor growth.

Main Results:

• ENC1 expression was significantly elevated in lung cancer tissues and cell lines compared to normal counterparts.
• ENC1 knockdown using si-ENC1 markedly reduced proliferation, migration, and invasion in A549 and H1299 cells.
• Downregulation of ENC1 led to decreased levels of MMP2, MMP9, N-cadherin, p-JNK, p-ERK, and p-p38, with a concurrent upregulation of E-cadherin. Tumor growth was inhibited in vivo.

Conclusions:

• ENC1 plays a significant role in promoting the proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung cancer cells.
• ENC1 represents a promising diagnostic target and a potential therapeutic target for lung cancer treatment.