Expression of NEK2 in Colorectal Cancer Tissue and Its Effect on Proliferation, Invasion and Migration of HCT116 Cells

Objective To investigate NIMA-related kinase 2 (NEK2) expression in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues and its effect on the proliferation, migration and invasion of HCT116 cells.

Methods Synthesized siRNA targeting NEK2 was transfected into HCT116 cells by lipofectamine method. CCK8 assay, FACS, wound healing assay and Transwell assay were used to detect the effects of NEK2 knockdown on cell proliferation, cell cycle distribution, migration and invasion. Western blot was carried out to detect the expression of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, CDK4 and cyclin D1.

Results The expression of NEK2 in CRC tissues was significantly higher than that in adjacent normal tissues (65.0% vs. 35.0%, χ²=14.593, P < 0.01), and its level was closely related to TNM stage, lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis (all P < 0.05). NEK2 protein and mRNA levels in CRC cell lines were also significantly higher than those in normal colorectal mucosal cells (P < 0.01). After NEK2 was knocked down by siRNA, HCT116 cells were arrested in G₀/G₁ cycle, while cell proliferation, invasion and migration were significantly reduced (P < 0.01). NEK2 interference in HCT-116 cells led to the upregulation of E-cadherin and downregulation of N-cadherin, CDK4 and cyclin D1 at protein levels.

Conclusion The high NEK2 expression is correlated with clinicopathological characteristics of CRC patients. NEK2 knockdown by siRNA could effectively inhibit the proliferation, invasion and migration abilities of colorectal cancer cells, suggesting that NEK2 plays an important role in the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer and it can be used as a potential treatment target.