Silencing NCAPD3 Inhibits Tumor Growth and Metastasis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Suppressing PI3K-AKT Signalling Pathway

Objective: To evaluate the expression pattern of non-SMC condensin II complex subunit D3 (NCAPD3) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues, assess its association with clinical characteristics, and explore the effects of NCAPD3 on HCC cells and the potential underlying mechanisms.

Methods: NCAPD3 expression in HCC tumors and adjacent noncancerous tissues was quantified via quantitative PCR. Patients were divided into high- and low-expression groups on the basis of NCAPD3 levels, and associations with clinical parameters were assessed. The effects of NCAPD3 knockdown and the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) agonist Y-P 740 on cell functions were examined via cell proliferation, Transwell migration, and invasion assays. Differentially expressed genes following NCAPD3 knockdown in SMMC-7721 cells were identified via mRNA Sequencing. Western blotting was performed to measure NCAPD3, Akt serine/threonine kinase 1 (Akt1), and phosphorylated Akt1 levels.

Results: NCAPD3 mRNA expression was notably upregulated in HCC tissues as compared with that in adjacent noncancer tissues. A positive correlation was observed between NCAPD3 expression and both lymphatic and distant metastases in patients with HCC. NCAPD3 knockdown reduced the proliferation and metastasis of SMMC-7721 and Huh-7 cells. mRNA Sequencing revealed 140 downregulated genes and 125 upregulated genes. Further validation experiments confirmed that NCAPD3 modulated the PI3K-AKT signalling pathway and that the PI3K agonist Y-P 740 counteracted the effects of NCAPD3 knockdown.

Conclusions: Elevated NCAPD3 expression was strongly correlated with HCC metastasis. NCAPD3 inhibition impedes HCC cell growth and metastatic potential by suppressing the PI3K-AKT signalling pathway.

Hepatocellular carcinoma; Non-SMC condensin II complex subunit D3; Oncogene; PI3K–AKT signalling pathway.