Inhibition of DNAJC12 Inhibited Tumorigenesis of Rectal Cancer via Downregulating HSPA4 Expression

Abstract

Background. Dysregulation of DnaJ heat shock protein family (HSP40) member C12 (DNAJC12) is implicated in the malignancy progression of multiple cancers. The current study aimed to determine the biology function and mechanism of DNAJC12 in rectal cancer (RC). Methods. RC tissues, adjacent tissues, RC cell lines, and normal colorectal epithelial cell lines were collected to analyze DNAJC12 expression. The abilities of DNAJC12 on proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of RC cells were detected by CCK-8, wound healing, and flow cytometry assays. Co-IP assays were carried out to confirm the association between DNAJC12 and HSPA4. The effect of DNAJC12 on tumor growth was detected by using the xenograft model of nude mice. Results. Elevation of DNAJC12 was uncovered in RC tissues and cell lines. DNAJC12 upregulation facilitated RC cell proliferation and migration and induced apoptosis, while DNAJC12 interference showed the opposite results. Besides, HSAP4 served as a potential binding protein for DNAJC12. Rescue experiments revealed that elevated of HSAP4 restored the impact of DNAJC12 silencing on the cell functions. Finally, DNAJC12 silencing hampered tumor growth of RC in vivo. Conclusion. In summary, this study highlighted a key player of DNAJC12 in modulating the malignant biological progression of RC via DNAJC12/HSPA4 axis, displaying a potential therapeutic target for RC.