TIMM8A-TIMM13 Complex Exerts Oncogenic Functions in Lung Cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Lung cancer represents a major global healthcare challenge, characterized by high annual incidence and mortality rates worldwide. Although targeted therapies for lung cancer have advanced, treatment outcomes for advanced-stage patients remain suboptimal. This investigation examines the role of the translocase of the inner mitochondrial membrane (TIMM)8A-TIMM13 complex in lung cancer and evaluates its potential as a novel therapeutic target. METHODS: A co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assay was conducted to verify the interaction between TIMM8A and TIMM13. Differential gene expression analysis of TIMM8A or TIMM13 was executed using the TNMplot database, with survival estimates derived from the Kaplan-Meier plotter. Lung cancer cell proliferation was evaluated through Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assays, while cell migration was assessed via Transwell assay. RNA sequencing identified the downstream effectors of TIMM13. RNAi technology facilitated the inhibition of TIMM8A or TIMM13 expression, which was measured through immunoblotting or qRT-PCR. RESULTS: This investigation revealed that components of the TIMM8A-TIMM13 complex exhibited elevated expression in human lung cancer tissues, correlating with disease progression and poor overall survival rates among lung cancer patients. The suppression of either TIMM8A or TIMM13 inhibited cell proliferation and migration. Mechanistic studies through transcriptome analysis identified cell cycle-related pathways as potential key downstream effectors of the TIMM8A-TIMM13 complex. Subsequent experiments confirmed that the TIMM8A-TIMM13 complex significantly regulated the expression of cyclin D1 (CCND1) and cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (CDK6) complex. CONCLUSION: The elevated expression of TIMM8A-TIMM13 complex components plays a crucial role in lung cancer cell growth, suggesting its potential as a promising therapeutic target for lung cancer treatment.