Downregulating TUBB Inhibits Certain Biological Behaviors but Promotes Apoptosis of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most malignant subtype of breast cancer. Tubulin beta class I gene (TUBB) is highly expressed in breast cancer, but its specific role has yet to be identified. Our study thus aims to investigate the effect of TUBB on TNBC from the molecular perspective.Methods: Biological information analysis was carried out to identify our specific study topics. TNBC cells (MDA-MB-231 and BT549) were transfected with short hairpin RNA targeting TUBB (shRNA-TUBB) or negative control-shRNA (shRNA-NC). TUBB expression in TNBC cells was studied by reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Cell apoptosis, proliferation and migration were assessed through flow cytometry, colony formation assay, 5-Ethynyl-2'-Deoxyuridine (EdU) assay, and wound healing assay, respectively. Quantification of apoptosis-and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes was analyzed by western blot.Results: TUBB was upregulated in TNBC tissues (p < 0.05). Downregulation of TUBB facilitated the apoptosis but inhibited the colony formation ability, proliferation and migration of TNBC cells (p < 0.01). Expressions of apoptosis-related proteins and EMT-related proteins was variable in TNBC cells under inducement of TUBB downregulation (p < 0.01).Conclusion: Downregulating TUBB can dampen proliferation, migration and EMT, while facilitating apoptosis of TNBC cells, which might provide new insight for treating TNBC by targeting TUBB.