NONO modulates tumorigenesis and metastatic potential of lung squamous cell carcinoma.

Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) is associated with limited therapeutic options and poor clinical prognosis. The Octamer nucleotide--binding transcription factor (NONO), which lacks the POU domain, is implicated in nearly every aspect of gene regulation. It participates in various biological processes including cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and DNA damage repair. In this study, we report elevated expression of the NONO gene in LUSC as identified through tumor databases. Our biological function experiments confirmed that NONO promotes the proliferation of LUSC cells by inhibiting apoptosis and enhances the tumor cells' capabilities for invasion and metastasis. Through the mediation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, NONO regulates downstream molecules such as FOXO1 and GSK3β, which are related to cell proliferation and apoptosis. It participates in the regulation of LUSC cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis, and can serve as a potential clinical target for LUSC, providing ideas for exploring new treatment methods.