MYL6B drives the capabilities of proliferation, invasion, and migration in rectal adenocarcinoma through the EMT process.

Objective: This study was designed to explore the biological significance of myosin light chain 6B (MYL6B) in rectal adenocarcinoma.

Methods: Profiles on the Oncomine dataset, GEPIA website, and UALCAN-TCGA database were searched to assess the MYL6B expression level in rectal adenocarcinoma tissues and normal tissues. After MYL6B knockdown using siRNA strategy, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and transwell assays were conducted to measure cell proliferation, migration and invasion, respectively. Flow cytometry analysis was conducted to assess cell apoptosis. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot were performed to detect the expression level of mRNAs and proteins.

Results: The data showed that overexpression of MYL6B was observed in rectal adenocarcinoma tissues and correlated with a poor prognosis of patients. Functional experiments revealed that MYL6B knockdown could inhibit proliferation, migration, and invasion of rectal adenocarcinoma cells, while promote cell apoptosis. Moreover, western blot analysis suggested that increased expression of E-cadherin and decreased expression of N-cadherin and Vimentin were induced by si-MYL6B.

Conclusion: In summary, this study elaborated on the promoting effect of MYL6B in rectal adenocarcinoma progression, thus providing novel insight for strategies of clinical diagnosis and drug application in the future clinical study.