The Expression and Prognostic Significance of P3H1 in Bladder Cancer: A Bioinformatics Analysis and In Vitro Experiments

Abstract

Abstract Background Bladder cancer (BLCA) is associated with poor prognosis and the identification of new prognostic markers is needed. This study aimed to investigate the significance of Prolyl 3-hydroxylase 1 (P3H1) as a potential prognostic biomarker for BLCA. Methods The expression levels of P3H1 in BLCA and normal bladder tissues were analyzed using TCGA database, and P3H1's prognostic value was determined using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. GSEA analysis was performed to investigate its biological functions. Assessment of the tumor microenvironment was conducted using the CIBERSORT algorithm, and the results were verified through RT-PCR and western blotting. Functional analysis of P3H1 was carried out using Colony-formation, CCK-8, wound healing, transwell, and flow cytometry assays. Results The study found that P3H1 was upregulated in BLCA tissues, and elevated expression was linked to an unfavorable prognosis. GSEA analysis revealed putative involvement of P3H1 in the JAK-STAT and WNT signaling pathways. P3H1 expression was also strongly associated with the infiltration of diverse immune cells and immune checkpoints. Conclusion Finally, knocking down P3H1 expression effectively suppressed the ability of BLCA cells to proliferate and migrate, while promoting apoptosis. In conclusion, P3H1 has the potential to serve as a prognostic biomarker for BLCA.