ZNF433 positively regulates the beta-catenin/ TCF pathway in prostate cancer and enhances the tumorigenicity of cancer cells.

Background: Prostate cancer often shows the over-activation of beta-catenin/t-cell factor (TCF) signaling. It remains largely unknown how the beta-catenin/TCF transcriptional machinery is tightly controlled.

Methods: The ZNF433 mRNA and protein levels in the clinical tissues were examined using q-PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry. The phenotypes of prostate cancer cells were examined using MTT assay, Boyden chamber assay and anchorage-independent assay. The interaction between ZNF433 and beta-catenin was evaluated by immunoprecipitation.

Results: In the present study, ZNF433 was upregulated in prostate cancer samples, and promoted the growth and migration of prostate cancer cells. Furthermore, ZNF433 was the binding partner of beta-catenin and activated beta-catenin/TCF signaling in prostate cancer. Moreover, ZNF433 enhanced the binding between beta-catenin and TCF4. In addition, NC043, small antagonist for beta-catenin/TCF complex, inhibited the malignant behaviors of prostate cancer cells driven by ZNF433.

Conclusion: In summary, these studies demonstrate the tumor-promoting roles of ZNF433 in prostate cancer, and suggesting that ZNF433 was a potential target for the treatment.