TET2 inhibits the proliferation and metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma cells via activation of the cGAS-STING signalling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Effective identification and development of new molecular methods for the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains an urgent clinical need. DNA methylation patterns at cytosine bases in the genome are closely related to gene expression, and abnormal DNA methylation is frequently observed in various cancers. The ten-eleven translocation (TET) enzymes oxidize 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and promote locus-specific DNA methylation reversal. This study aimed to explore the role of the TET2 protein and its downstream effector, 5-hmC/5-mC DNA modification, in LUAD progression.

METHODS: The expression of TET2 was analysed by real-time PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The 5-hmC DNA content was determined by a colorimetric kit. Activation of the cGAS-STING signalling pathway was evaluated by Western blotting. CCK-8, wound healing and Transwell assays were performed to evaluate the effect of TET2 on cell proliferation, migration and invasion abilities. A xenograft model was used to analyse the effect of TET2 on the tumorigenic ability of A549 cells.

RESULTS: TET2 overexpression decreased proliferation and metastasis of A549 and H1975 cells in vitro and in vivo. However, TET2 knockdown dramatically enhanced the proliferation, migration and invasion of A549 and H1975 cells. Mechanistically, activation of the cGAS-STING signalling pathway is critical for the TET2-mediated suppression of LUAD cell tumorigenesis and metastasis.

CONCLUSION: In this study, we demonstrate a tumour suppressor role of TET2 in LUAD, providing new potential molecular therapeutic targets and clinical therapies for patients with non-small cell lung cancer.