HCCR-1 is a Novel Prognostic Indicator for Gastric Cancer and Promotes Cell Proliferation

The role of the human cervical cancer oncogene (HCCR-1) in the development of various tumors has been elucidated; however, its expression and function in gastric cancer remains largely unknown. Accordingly, the expression of HCCR-1 and epidermal growth factor (EGF) were detected in paired gastric cancer tissues and cell lines by western blotting (WB) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Furthermore, the correlations between HCCR-1 expression in 209 gastric cancer tissues and the clinicopathological features and disease prognosis were analyzed. A stable HCCR-1 overexpression cell line was established, and the influence of increased HCCR-1 expression on the growth of gastric cancer cells was observed in vivo and in vitro. The expression of HCCR-1 generally increased in gastric cancer tissues. Further, increased HCCR-1 expression in gastric cancer tissues was associated with tumor T stage and was an independent factor that influenced poor postoperative prognosis in gastric cancer patients. A positive correlation was also detected between the expression of EGF and HCCR-1 in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The overexpression of HCCR-1 might enhance the growth rate of gastric cancer cells in vitro, increase the number of colony forming units, and promote the growth, volume, and weight of subcutaneous tumors in nude mice. In conclusion, HCCR-1 is a gastric cancer oncogene, and its increased expression plays a critical role in the occurrence and development of gastric cancer. Hence, HCCR-1 could serve as a valuable marker for the postoperative prognostic assessment of gastric cancer patients.