CLDN6 promotes tumor progression through the YAP1-snail1 axis in gastric cancer

Claudin6 (CLDN6), a member of the tight junction family, is a molecule involved in intercellular adhesion, acting as a physical barrier that prevents solutes and water from freely passing through the extracellular space. CLDN6 has important biological functions, and its abnormal expression is associated with Hepatitis C infection. However, there is limited research regarding its role in gastric cancer. In this study, we found that the expression of CLDN6 mRNA and protein was upregulated in gastric cancer cell lines and tissues, which indicated poor prognosis. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that abnormal CLDN6 expression was associated with enhanced proliferation and invasion abilities of gastric cancer. CLDN6 reduced the phosphorylation of LATS1/2 and YAP1 by interacting with LATS1/2 in the Hippo signaling pathway. Thus, CLDN6 affected the entry of YAP1 into the nucleus, causing changes in downstream target genes. Moreover, YAP1 interacted with snail1 to affect the process of EMT and enhanced the invasive ability of GC cells. Collectively, CLDN6 promoted the proliferation and invasive ability of gastric cancer by affecting YAP1 and YAP1-snail1 axis.