ACTL8 Promotes the Progression of Gastric Cancer Through PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Actin-like protein 8 (ACTL8) significantly correlates with tumor growth and prognosis across various cancer types. Nevertheless, the potential relationship between ACTL8 and gastric cancer (GC) remains uncertain. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to elucidate the role of ACTL8 in human GC cells and to explore its mechanism. METHODS: Bioinformatics analysis tools, such as GEPIA2, Kaplan-Meier, and STRING, were utilized for a comprehensive investigation of the characteristics and functional roles of ACTL8 in GC, including differential expression, prognostic value, and related signaling pathways. Subsequently, gene expression analyses, cell function assays, and signaling pathway experiments were conducted to verify key findings. RESULTS: Bioinformatics analysis showed that ACTL8 was significantly elevated in GC and closely associated with poor prognosis. Gene expression experiments confirmed the bioinformatics results. Furthermore, ACTL8 knockdown markedly reduced GC cell proliferation and inhibited migration and invasion. Mechanistically, a significant increase in the phosphorylation levels of signaling proteins was observed in GC cells following ACTL8 overexpression, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway inhibitors could reverse this effect. CONCLUSION: ACTL8 expression is significantly upregulated in GC cells and is closely correlated with poor patient prognosis. Further mechanistic studies revealed that ACTL8 may promote GC cell migration and proliferation through activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Consequently, ACTL8 emerges as a promising therapeutic target for GC.