Identification of galactosamine-(N-acetyl)-6-sulfatase (GALNS) as a novel therapeutic target in progression of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

In this study, we found that GALNS is overexpressed in NPC cell lines and tissues compared to the normal nasopharyngeal counterparts. Knocking down GALNS expression in the NPC cells significantly decreased their proliferation in vitro, and inhibited xenograft growth in a mouse model. Mechanistically, the anti-proliferative effect of GALNS silencing was the result of autophagy induction via the inhibition of PI3K –AKT–mTOR signaling pathway. Taken together, GALNS drives the progression of NPC via PI3K–AKT–mTOR signaling-mediated autophagy, and is therefore a promising therapeutic target.
Source: Hormones and Cancer - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research