MLPH Accelerates the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Prostate Cancer.

Introduction: Prostate cancer (PC) is the second greatest cause of cancer deaths globally. PC presents a poor prognosis once it metastasizes. There is considerable proof of vital epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) functionality in PC metastasis. Previous studies revealed that melanophilin (MLPH) is associated with PC; however, its role in PC remains poorly understood.

Methods: Bioinformatics analyses were performed. The cellular responses to MLPH knockdown were examined in HCC cell lines via wound healing assay, migration and invasion assay, Western blotting.

Results: Analysis of the PROGgeneV2 database revealed that high MLPH expression might indicate poor overall survival. MLPH knockdown reduced PC cell migration, proliferation, and invasion. MLPH downregulation in vivo resulted in a lower growth rate and fewer metastatic nodules in lung tissues. Furthermore, MLPH knockdown recovered downregulated expression of the mesenchymal marker N-cadherin and the epithelial marker E-cadherin following a decrease in β-catenin.

Conclusion: These results indicate that progression of PC is stimulated via MLPH-dependent initiation of the EMT.