The role of DYNLT3 in breast cancer proliferation, migration, and invasion via epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition

PURPOSE: DYNLT3 is identified as an age‐related gene. Nevertheless, the specific mechanism of its carcinogenesis in breast tumor has not been clarified. This research aims to elucidate the role and the underlying molecular pathways of DYNLT3 on breast cancer tumorigenesis. METHODS: The differential expression of DYNLT3 among breast cancer, breast fibroids, and normal tissues, as well as in various breast cancer cell lines were detected by immunohistochemical staining, real‐time quantitative reverse transcription‐PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Additionally, the role of DYNLT3 on cell viability and proliferation were observed through cell counting kit‐8, bromodeoxyuridine, and colony formation experiments. Migratory and invasive abilities was envaulted by wound healing and Transwell methods. Apoptotic cells rate was examined by flow cytometry. Furthermore, nude mice xenograft models were established to confirm the role of DYNLT3 in tumor formation in vivo. RESULTS: DYNLT3 expression was highly rising in both breast cancer tissues and cells. DYNLT3 knockdown obviously suppressed cell growth, migration and invasion, and induced cell apoptosis in MDA‐MB‐231 and MCF‐7 breast cancer cells. The overexpression of DYNLT3 exerted the opposite effect in MDA‐MB‐231 cells. Moreover, DYNLT3 knockdown inhibited tumor formation in vivo. Mechanistically, an elevation of N‐cadherin and vimentin levels and a decline of E‐cadherin were observed when DYNLT3 was upregulated, which was reversed when DYNLT3 knockdown was performed. CONCLUSION: DYNLT3 may function as a tumor‐promotor of age‐associated breast cancer, which is expected to provide experimental basis for new treatment options.