LHX6 inhibits breast cancer cell proliferation and invasion via repression of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

LIM homeobox domain 6 (LHX6), a member of the LHX family of proteins, has been implicated in cancer development. However, the involvement of LHX6 in the development of breast cancer remains unclear. In the present study, the epigenetic regulation, biological function and associated molecular mechanisms of LHX6 in breast cancer were analyzed. The expression levels of LHX6 were demonstrated to be markedly decreased in breast cancer tissues and cell lines. In addition, it was found that increased LHX6 expression in breast cancer cell lines inhibited cell proliferation and invasion. Furthermore, increased LHX6 expression significantly decreased the expression of beta-catenin in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, and small interfering RNA-beta-catenin enhanced LHX6-induced inhibition of cell proliferation and invasion in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. These results indicate that LHX6 inhibits breast cancer cell growth and invasion through suppression of the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway. Thus, the present study provides a novel insight into the underlying mechanism of tumorigenesis in breast cancer, indicating the therapeutic potential of LHX6 in the treatment of breast cancer.