Gene Expression Analysis of Two Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition-related Genes: Long Noncoding RNA-ATB and SETD8 in Gastric Cancer Tissues

BACKGROUND: Cancer is the second cause of death after cardiovascular diseases worldwide. Tumor metastasis is the main cause of death in patients with cancer; therefore, unraveling the molecular mechanisms involved in metastasis is critical. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is believed to promote tumor metastasis. Based on the critical roles of long noncoding RNA-ATB (lncRNA-ATB) and SETD8 genes in cancer pathogenesis and EMT, in this study, we aimed to assess expression profile and clinicopathological relevance of these two genes in human gastric cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to assess these gene expressions in gastric cancer tissues and various cell lines. The associations between these gene expressions and clinicopathological characteristics were also analyzed. RESULTS: Insignificant downregulation of lncRNA-ATB and significant upregulation of SETD8 in cancerous versus noncancerous gastric tissues were observed. Among different examined cell lines, all displayed both genes expression. Except for a significant inverse correlation between the expression levels of lncRNA-ATB and depth of invasion (T) and a direct association between SETD8 levels and advanced tumor grades, no significant association was found with other clinicopathological characteristics. CONCLUSION: lncRNA-ATB and SETD8 genes may play a critical role in gastric cancer progression and may serve as potential diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers in cancer patients.