Critical Role of VCP/p97 in the Pathogenesis and Progression of Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma

BackgroundValosin-containing protein (VCP)/p97 is an AAA ATPase molecular chaperone that regulates vital cellular functions and protein-processing. A recent study indicated that VCP expression levels are correlated with prognosis and progression of non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). We not only verified these findings but also identified the specific role of VCP in NSCLC pathogenesis and progression. Methodology/Principal FindingsOur results show that VCP is significantly overexpressed in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) as compared to normal tissues and cell lines (pin vitro and xenograft murine (athymic-nude) models after EerI treatment (p Conclusions/SignificanceThus, targeting VCP in NSCLC may provide a novel strategy to restore p53 and NFκB levels and ameliorate the growth and tumorigenicity, leading to improved clinical outcomes.