RTKN2 is Associated with Unfavorable Prognosis and Promotes Progression in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Background: Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. However, the molecular mechanism of NSCLC remains unknown. Accumulating data show that Rhotekin 2 (RTKN2) functions as a novel crucial regulator of diverse biological processes; however, its pathological role in NSCLC remains unclear. Methods: In this study, we investigated the function of RTKN2 in NSCLC. The expression of RTKN2 mRNA was analyzed in tumor tissues and paired adjacent tissues from patients by qRT-PCR. The role of RTKN2 in cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion was investigated. The potential mechanisms were explored. Results: We found that the level of RTKN2 mRNA was up-regulated in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. RTKN2 knockout inhibited the proliferation of human NSCLC cell lines A549 via inducing apoptosis by increasing the level of Bax and decreasing the level of Bcl-2. Furthermore, silencing of RTKN2 reduced the migration and invasion of A549 cells through up-regulated matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) and MMP2 expression. Conclusion: These data suggest that RTKN2 may not only be a prognostic biomarker candidate but also provide a potential therapeutic target for NSCLC diagnosis and treatment.