STK39, overexpressed in osteosarcoma, regulates osteosarcoma cell invasion and proliferation

Serine/ threonine kinase 39 (STK39) is associated with hypertension, autism, Parkinson's disease and various types of cancer in recent years. This study investigated STK39 expression and possible roles in osteosarcoma using qPCR and western blot analysis. Compared to normal bone tissues, the mRNA and protein expression of STK39 was found to be upregulated in osteosarcoma. Using small interfering RNA transfection, STK39 was knocked down into two cell lines of osteosarcoma, U2OS and MG63, and the effects exerted on cell functioning were examined. The results showed that STK39 downregulation inhibited ostesarcoma cell proliferation and invasion. Moreover, STK39 knockdown in osteosarcoma cells significantly affected the expression of proteins connected to cell proliferation (proliferating cell nuclear antigen and p21) and invasion [Twist1, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 and MMP9]. Phosphorylation of Smad2/3 was reduced by STK39 knock down. In conclusion, our data provide evidence that STK39 was overexpressed in osteosarcoma. STK39 may serve as an oncogene by adjusting the proliferation and invasion of osteosarcoma cells.