Prognostic biomarkers based on GUF1, EFTUD2 and GSPT1 targets affecting migration of gastric cancer cells

Background: Eukaryotic elongation factor 1 alpha 2 (eEF1A2) is a protein coding gene which is involved in tumor development and progression in several types of human cancer, but little is known about the function of eEF1A2 proteins in gastric cancer (GC). This study aimed to investigate the effects of GUF1, EFTUD2 and GSPT1 on the migration of GC cells.

Methods: The Oncomine and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases were used to evaluate the expression of GUF1, EFTUD2, GSPT1 and GSPT2 in GC and the association of eEF1A2 family with individual clinical characteristics. Kaplan-Meier (K-M) Plotter hinted the prognostic value of GUF1, EFTUD2, GSPT1 and GSPT2. GSE62254 and GSE66222 datasets were used to validate the expression of GUF1, EFTUD2, GSPT1. AGS cell line and GES line were also used for validating the function of GUF1, EFTUD2, GSPT1. RNA interference (RNAi) of GUF1, EFTUD2 and GSPT1 had been used to query those genes expression pattern and dissect the proliferation and migration in GC cell lines.

Results: GUF1, EFTUD2 and GSPT1 were significantly up-regulated in GC cell lines. High expression of GUF1, EFTUD2 and GSPT1 was correlated with cell proliferation and migration induced in GC cells. GUF1, EFTUD2 and GSPT1 may be potential novel oncogenes that helps to maintain the survival of GC cells.

Conclusions: This study identified that high levels of GUF1, EFTUD2 and GSPT1 expression are predictive biomarkers for a poor prognosis in GC.