ALX1 promotes migration and invasion of lung cancer cells through increasing snail expression.

Lung cancer is one of the main causes in cancer-related death. Here we reported a novel functional role of Aristaless-like homeobox1 (ALX1) in lung carcinogenesis. Analysis of ALX1 in lung cancer specimens confirms upregulation of ALX1 in lung cancer, especially these with distant metastasis. Moreover, higher level of ALX1 expression is associated with poorer prognosis of lung cancer patients. Ectopic expression of ALX1 significantly promotes lung cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion, while ALX1 silencing by siRNA significantly inhibits these abilities of lung cancer cells. The functional role of ALX1 is dependent on increasing Snail expression and knockdown of Snail could restrain the role of ALX1. Collectively, we identify critical roles of ALX1 in lung cancer development and progression. These findings may serve as a framework for future investigations designed to more comprehensive determination of ALX1 as a potential therapeutic target.