TFIIB-related factor 2 inhibits lung squamous carcinoma cell apoptosis through SLC8A3-mediated mitochondrial homeostasis

Background Lung cancer is the most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Developing therapies for lung cancer is challenging, and new targets are urgently required. TFIIB-related factor 2 (BRF2) plays a crucial role in the development and progression of various tumors. However, the potential role of BRF2 in lung squamous carcinoma (LUSC) is unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanism of BRF2 regulation in LUSC development. Method Flow cytometry, protein blotting, and in vivo experiments were performed to assess the function of BRF2 in LUSC. Transmission electron microscopy imaging and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) measurements were used to determine the effect of BRF2 on mitochondria in LUSC. The impact of the downstream molecule SLC8A3 was predicted using bioinformatics analysis, and the mechanism was investigated by analyzing quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunoprecipitation (IP) assays, which were confirmed through rescue experiments. Results BRF2 expression was upregulated in squamous carcinoma cells, which increased SLC8A3 protein expression, promoted mitochondrial autophagy, stabilized MMP, and reduced apoptosis. In addition, SLC8A3 overexpression inhibited PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1) binding to TIM23 to promote mitochondrial autophagy and stabilize the MMP, which counteracted BRF2 knockdown-induced apoptosis. Conclusion BRF2 mediated SLC8A3 expression to reduce apoptosis in LUSC cells by maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis. These findings provide novel selective therapeutic targets and ideas for the treatment of LUSC.