Non-SMC condensin I complex subunit H mediates mature chromosome condensation and DNA damage in pancreatic cancer cells

Sci Rep. 2019 Nov 29;9(1):17889. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-54478-3.

Abstract

Non-SMC condensin I complex subunit H (NCAPH) is a vital gene associated with chromosome stability and is required for proper chromosome condensation and segregation. However, the mechanisms through which NCAPH affects pancreatic cancer (PC) and its molecular function remain unclear. In this study, we examined the role of NCAPH in PC cells. Our results showed that NCAPH was overexpressed in clinical PC specimens (GEPIA) and cell lines. In addition, in NCAPH-knockdown cells, colony formation and proliferation were inhibited, and the cell cycle was arrested at the S and G2/M phases owing to failure of mature chromosome condensation (MCC) in poorly condensed chromosomes. Increased cell death in NCAPH-knockdown cells was found to help initiate apoptosis through the activation of caspase-3 and PARP cleavage. Furthermore, NCAPH-knockdown cells showed an increase in chromosomal aberrations and DNA damage via activation of the DNA damage response (Chk1/Chk2) signaling pathways. These data demonstrated that NCAPH played an important role in cell cycle progression and DNA damage by maintaining chromosomal stability through progression of MCC from poorly condensed chromosomes. Ultimately, NCAPH knockdown induced apoptotic cell death, which was partially mediated by caspase-dependent pathways. These findings highlight the potential role of NCAPH as a therapeutic target for PC.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis
  • Caspase 3 / metabolism
  • Cell Cycle Checkpoints / drug effects
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / genetics
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Checkpoint Kinase 1 / metabolism
  • Checkpoint Kinase 2 / metabolism
  • Chromosome Aberrations*
  • DNA Damage*
  • Humans
  • Kaplan-Meier Estimate
  • Nuclear Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Nuclear Proteins / genetics
  • Nuclear Proteins / metabolism*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / mortality
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / pathology*
  • RNA Interference
  • RNA, Small Interfering / metabolism

Substances

  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • NCAPH protein, human
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Checkpoint Kinase 2
  • Checkpoint Kinase 1
  • Caspase 3