FAM172A inhibits breast cancer cell growth and metastasis by upregulating Notch 3

Purpose: To investigate the role of family with sequence similarity 172 member A (FAM172A) in breast cancer. Methods: FAM172A expression was evaluated by western blot and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Colony formation and CCK-8 assays were used to assess cell proliferation, while cell migration and invasion were evaluated by Transwell assay. Results: FAM172A expression was reduced in breast cancer cells and tissues when compared to controls (p < 0.001). Overexpression of FAM172A repressed proliferation of breast cancer cells (p < 0.001) and suppressed cell migration and invasion (p < 0.001). Overexpression of FAM172A increased Notch 3 expression in breast cancer cells. Knockdown of Notch 3 attenuated the FAM172A overexpression-induced decrease in breast cancer cell proliferation. Silencing of Notch 3 reversed the FAM172A (p < 0.001). Conclusion: FAM172A represses breast cancer cell growth and metastasis via upregulation of Notch 3; thus, FAM172A and Notch 3 are potential targets for breast cancer therapy. Keywords: