NKD2 Trigger NF-κB Signaling Pathway and Facilitates Thyroid Cancer Cell Proliferation

Mol Biotechnol. 2023 Nov;65(11):1846-1856. doi: 10.1007/s12033-023-00665-7. Epub 2023 Feb 23.

Abstract

NKD inhibitor of WNT signaling pathway 2 (NKD2) is an emerging player in cancer onset and progression. Here, it was confirmed that THCA patients have robustly expressed NKD2, which was linked to an advanced pathologic stage. The prognosis was worse for those with high NKD2 levels. Functionally, ectopically produced NKD2 promotes THCA cell proliferation, whereas NKD2 knockdown impairs the ability of THCA cells to proliferate. Mechanically, ectopically expressed NKD2 activated NF-κB transcriptional activity, whereas NKD2-deficient THCA cells showed lower NF-κB transcriptional activity. As a result, NKD2 activates the NF-κB signaling pathway, encouraging the growth of THCA cells.

Keywords: GSEA; NF-κB; Proliferating; TGCA; THCA.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / genetics
  • Calcium-Binding Proteins*
  • Cell Proliferation / physiology
  • Humans
  • NF-kappa B / genetics
  • Thyroid Neoplasms*
  • Wnt Signaling Pathway

Substances

  • Calcium-Binding Proteins
  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • NF-kappa B
  • NKD2 protein, human