Exploring the potential role of cereblon (CRBN) in lung cancer cell migration via TGF-B signaling

Abstract

Cancer metastasis is the primary cause of cancer-related mortality, identifying the regulatory mechanisms controlling it becomes important in the field of cancer research. This work explores the function of cereblon (CRBN) and how it affects the migration of lung cancer cells, revealing a novel mechanism that may have implications for future studies on cancer migration. TGF-β signaling is thought to be the mechanism underlying the increased migration phenotype associated with CRBN downregulation in lung squamous cell carcinoma. Our study demonstrates a correlation between decreased CRBN expression and the carcinogenesis process. Findings suggest that the increased presence of Annexin A1 (ANXA1) in CRBN-knockout lung cancer could potentially act as an activator for TGF-β signaling. The proposed molecular pathway involves the knockout of CRBN influencing ANXA1, which then triggers TGF-β signaling and increases ZEB1 expression. In conclusion, this study contributes to cancer research by presenting a new mechanism elucidating how decreased CRBN contributes to heightened migratory traits in lung cancer, suggesting that CRBN could be a potential target for lung cancer therapy.