Btbd7 contributes to reduced E-cadherin expression and predicts poor prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer

Background: Disorders of cell adhesion are critical steps in cancer progression in which varieties of markers including cadherins are involved in. Btbd7 was found to inhibit E-cadherin expression in MDCK cells and play important roles during branching morphogenesis of embryonic salivary glands and lungs. However its function in malignant tumors is largely unknown. The aim of this study is to investigate the clinicopathological significance and possible function of Btbd7 in non-small cell lung cancer. Methods: Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were used to investigate Btbd7 expression in non-small cell lung cancer and lung tissues. The clinicopathological association and the overall survival was analyzed. In vitro experiments were performed using siRNA to investigate the function of Btbd7 in lung cancer cells. Results: Btbd7 expression was elevated in non-small cell lung cancer tissues compared to normal lung tissues. Increased Btbd7 expression was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis, reduced E-cadherin expression and patients' poor clinical outcome. Downregulation of Btbd7 expression in lung cancer cells by siRNA significantly inhibits cancer cell invasion and effectively restores E-cadherin expression in cancer cell membrane. Conclusions: Btbd7 contributes to reduced expression of E-cadherin and may be a promising cancer marker in non-small cell lung cancer.