PNO1 is a Novel Diagnostic and Prognostic Marker for Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

Background: Previous reports have shown that partner of NOB1 homolog (PNO1) is associated with several cancers, but the role of PNO1 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is unknown. We aimed to investigate the biological significance of PNO1 in ccRCC and the associated molecular mechanisms. Methods: PNO1 levels in tumor tissue, as well as the correlation of PNO1 protein expression with clinicopathological indexes. Loss-of-function assays were performed to examine the significance of PNO1 in ccRCC. Protein expression was detected by western blotting and immunofluorescence. Results: We revealed that the relative levels of PNO1 in ccRCC tissues were upregulated. PNO1 levels were associated with sex, stage, pathological grade, and metastatic status of ccRCC patients. Kaplan–Meier analyses revealed that suppressed PNO1 levels correlated with better prognostic outcomes. PNO1 knockdown suppressed in vitro cancer cell proliferation and migration. Moreover, PNO1 induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by upregulating vimentin and N-cadherin and downregulating E-cadherin. PNO1 suppression dysregulated cell oncologic metabolism by suppressing focal adhesion proteins. Conclusions: In summary, PNO1 was elevated in ccRCC and correlated with ccRCC progression.