FOXJ2 Inhibits the Proliferation, Migration and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Prostate Carcinoma Cells

OBJECTIVEForkhead box J2 (FOXJ2) which belongs to FOX transcription factors family has been regarded as diagnostic, prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target of various cancers. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of FOXJ2 in prostate carcinoma. METHODSWestern blot and qRT-PCR were applied to detect expression of FOXJ2 in prostate carcinoma cells. MTT and colony formation assays were used to detect cell proliferation. Cell migration and invasion were assessed by wound healing and transwell assays. RESULTSFOXJ2 was down-regulated in primary prostate carcinoma tissues compared to the normal tissues based on the TCGA database. Prostate carcinoma cells also showed lower expression of FOXJ2 than normal prostate cell line (RWPE-1). pcDNA-mediated ectopical expression of FOXJ2 increased cell viability of prostate carcinoma cells, and promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion. Over-expression of FOXJ2 enhanced protein expression of E-cadherin, reduced N-cadherin, vimentin and fibronectin in the prostate carcinoma cells. Protein expression of Notch 1, Jagged-1, and Hes 1 were up-regulated in prostate carcinoma cells by over-expression of FOXJ2. CONCLUSIONSFOXJ2 inhibited the proliferation, migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of prostate carcinoma cells through inactivation of Jagged-1/Notch-1/Hes-1 pathway.