CBX4 in Lung Adenocarcinoma: A Dual-Edged Sword in Transcriptional Regulation and Tumor Progression [RNA-seq]
Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Understanding the dysregulated epigenetics governing LUAD progression is pivotal for identifying therapeutic targets. CBX4, a chromobox protein, is reported to be upregulated in LUAD. However, its regulatory role in LUAD progression warrants in-depth investigation. This study highlights the dual impact of CBX4 on LUAD proliferation and metastasis. Through a series of rigorous in vitro and in vivo experiments, we elucidate that CBX4 functions in promoting LUAD proliferation via upregulating PHGDH expression while concurrently suppressing LUAD metastasis by inhibiting ZEB2 transcription. Further investigation into the underlying mechanism reveals CBX4's intricate interactions with distinct epigenetic factors. The inhibition of ZEB2 transcription involves CBX4-mediated recruitment of canonical PRC1 (cPRC1), establishing H2K119ub on the ZEB2 promoter. Simultaneously, CBX4 facilitates PHGDH transcription through interaction with GCN5, inducing heightened histone acetylation on the PHGDH promoter. These findings underscore CBX4's pivotal role as a regulator of LUAD progression, emphasizing its diverse transcriptional regulatory functions contingent upon interactions with specific epigenetic partners. Understanding the nuanced interplay between CBX4 and epigenetic factors sheds light on potential therapeutic avenues in LUAD. Overall design: Examination of gene expression changes in CBX4 knockdown and control A549 cells.