G3BP1 activates the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway to promote gastric cancer

BACKGROUND: GTPase-activating protein SH3 domain-binding protein 1 (G3BP1) is involved in various biological functions, including cell growth, metastasis, differentiation, apoptosis, and RNA metabolism. In current study, we aimed to investigate the effect of G3BP1 on gastric cancer (GC). METHODS: The expression of G3BP1 in GC tissues and cell lines was assessed by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Correlations of G3BP1 expression with clinicopathological and prognosis of GC patients were evaluated. The functions of G3BP1 in regulating proliferation, migration and invasion of GC cell were investigated using small interfering RNA (siRNA) strategies. Preliminary exploration of its underlying mechanism using Western blotting. RESULTS: G3BP1 expression was upregulated in GC tissues compared with adjacent tissues, and the higher G3BP1 expression was correlated with poor prognosis. G3BP1 knockdown decreased GC cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Mechanistically, silencing of G3BP1 inhibits the activation of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β/Smad signaling pathway in GC cells. CONCLUSION: G3BP1 plays an important role in the progression of GC as an oncogene and may become a new therapeutic target.