Abstract

Nudix Hydrolase 21 (NUDT21) is a newly characterized oncogene involved in several types of cancer. However, the expression patterns and biological function of NUDT21 in prostate cancer (PCa) remain unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the roles of NUDT21 in the cell proliferation and metastasis of PCa. In the present study, the expression of NUDT21 was analyzed by qRT-PCR in PCa cell lines and human prostatic stromal cell line (WPMY). Compared with WPMY cells, NUDT21 expression was significantly increased in DU 145 and LNcap cells. Furthermore, we constructed the DU 145 and LNcap cell lines with stable low expression of NUDT21 to validate the function of NUDT21. Celigo cell count assay, flow cytometry, wound healing and Transwell assays were performed to analyze and compare cell viability and cell migration. These results showed that lentivirus-mediated NUDT21 knockdown significantly inhibited DU 145 and LNcap 786-O cell proliferation and migration, as well as induced cell cycle arrest and increased apoptosis in vitro. In overall, the present findings demonstrated that NUDT21 plays an oncogenic role in PCa and the potential of NUDT21 targeting in PCa treatment.

Keywords: PCa; NUDT21; Cell proliferation; Cell apoptosis; Cell migration