KLF16 Affects the MYC Signature and Tumor Growth in Prostate Cancer

BACKGROUND: KLF16, a member of the Kruppel-like factor (KLF) family, functions in the regulation of dopaminergic transmission, metabolism, and endocrinology. However, the role of KLF16 in prostate cancer (PCa) remains unknown. METHODS: We screened the expression of KLFs in PCa based on bioinformatics analysis. The protein levels of KLF16 in PCa specimens were confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Inhibiting KLF16 by RNA interference with shRNA was used to determine the effects of KLF16 on PCa cell growth in vitro and in vivo. RNA sequencing was used to investigate the signaling regulated by KLF16 in PCa. Bioinformatics analysis was also used to determine the possible correlations of KLF16 and signaling in PCa cohorts. RESULTS: Bioinformatics analysis showed that KLF16 may be required for PCa development. Notably, the expression of KLF16 was elevated in human PCa tissues. In vitro and in vivo experiments both demonstrated that depleting KLF16 significantly inhibited the growth of PCa cells. Downregulation of KLF16 significantly decreased the expression of MYC signaling in PCa cells. Furthermore, KLF16 expression was correlated with MYC signaling activity. CONCLUSION: KLF16 was overexpressed in PCa tissues compared to normal tissues. KLF16 knockdown suppressed PCa cell growth in vitro and in vivo, and a deficiency of KLF16 inhibited activation of MYC signaling.