RUNX3 is a transcription factor known for its tumor suppressor activity, and more recently has been implicated in cancer metastasis. One of the factors involved in successful cancer metastasis is the acquisition of phenotypic plasticity for migration and re-colonization, a process known as Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). To elucidate the role of RUNX3 in EMT progression, RUNX3 expression in A549 cells was knocked down, and the progression of EMT stages was assessed and compared to that of control cells expressing endogenous RUNX3 after growth factor stimulation. Herein, we found that in the absence of RUNX3, mesenchymal markers were induced earlier and expressed higher than control cells. These findings indicate that RUNX3 possibly imparts an inhibitory effect in A549 cells undergoing EMT. Further biochemical studies need to be followed up to investigate the mechanistic principles involved in RUNX3 mediated inhibition of EMT in intermediate stage A549 cell lines.Bachelor of Science in Biological Science
