Downregulation of USP34 Inhibits the Growth and Migration of Pancreatic Cancer Cells via Inhibiting the PRR11.

Abstract

BackgroundPancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly lethal malignancy worldwide. Our previous study indicated that overexpression of USP34 could promote tumor growth in PC cells. Therefore, this study aimed to further investigate the role of USP34 during the tumorigenesis of PC.MethodsThe level of USP34 in PANC-1 and MiaPaCa-2 cells transfected with USP34-shRNAs was detected by RT-qPCR. Moreover, transwell migration and Annexin V/PI analysis were conducted to detect cell migration and apoptosis, respectively.ResultsIn this study, downregulation of USP34 markedly inhibited proliferation and migration, and induced apoptosis in PANC-1 cells. Moreover, silencing of USP34 obviously downregulated the levels of PRR11 and p-p38 in PANC-1 cells. An in vivo study in nude mice bearing PANC-1 cell xenografts confirmed these results.ConclusionDownregulation of USP34 could inhibit proliferation and migration in PANC-1 cells via inhibiting PRR11, and inactivating p38 MAPK signaling. Therefore, USP34 might be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of PC.