Downstream Neighbor of Son Overexpression is Associated With Breast Cancer Progression and a Poor Prognosis

The incidence rate of breast cancer (BC) has increased annually. Downstream neighbor of son (DONSON) critically affects cell cycle progression and maintains stable genomic properties; however, its relevant effects on BC growth and progression require in-depth investigation.

DONSON upregulation was validated in public databases. DONSON expression in matched BC and adjacent tissues and cell lines (MDA-MB-231, BT-549, and HS-578T) was determined using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. In vitro apoptosis, invasion, migration, and proliferation tests were performed to ascertain the functions of DONSON in BC cell lines. Then, using western blot analysis, the levels of DONSON downstream proteins were determined.

Compared to the control, DONSON was expressed at higher levels in BC tissues and cell lines. DONSON knockdown facilitated apoptosis and limited proliferation, migration, invasion, and S/G2 transition of BC cells in vitro. Furthermore, DONSON overexpression promoted BC cell proliferation and inhibited apoptosis in vitro. Moreover, DONSON knockdown reduced cyclin A1 and cyclin-dependent kinase 2 levels. Moreover, DONSON knockdown limited the progression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

DONSON critically affects BC growth and serves as a possible target and marker for the efficacy of subsequent therapies.