Transcription Factor CTCFL Promotes Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion in Gastric Cancer via Activating DPPA2

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between CTCFL and DPPA2 and validate the positive role of CTCFL/DPPA2 in cell malignant behaviors in gastric cancer. METHODS: We predicted gastric cancer-related transcription factors and corresponding target mRNAs through bioinformatics. Levels of CTCFL and DPPA2 were assessed via qRT-PCR and western blot. In vitro experiments were utilized to assay the cell biological behaviors. CHIP was utilized for the assessment of the targeted relationship between CTCFL and DPPA2. RESULTS: CTCFL and DPPA2 were both highly expressed in gastric cancer cells, and high CTCFLL and DPPA2 could promote cell malignant behaviors. CHIP validated that DPPA2 was a target of CTCFL. In addition, high DPPA2 rescued the repressive impact of CTCFL silencing on the cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in gastric cancer. CONCLUSION: The transcription factor CTCFL fosters cell proliferative, migratory, and invasive properties via activating DPPA2 in gastric cancer.