TK1 promotes tumour proliferation in bladder cancer via the TK1/TFDP1/β-catenin axis

Abstract

Abstract Developing a simple and effective diagnostic method for the early diagnosis of bladder cancers of great significance. Our study aimed to verify the molecular mechanism of TK1 in bladder cancer and explore its potential value as a molecular marker. TK1 expression in bladder cancer tissues was analysed using bioinformatic analysis. We also performed western blotting and immunohistochemistry to further detect TK1 expression. CCK-8 assays, flow cytometry analysis and subcutaneous xenograft mouse models were used to verify the role of TK1 in bladder cancer. A co-IP assay was conducted to explore the interaction between TK1 and TFDP1 in bladder cancer. TK1 was upregulated in bladder cancer tissues. We found that TK1 overexpression significantly promoted DNA replication and cell proliferation by gain- and loss-of-function experiments. TK1 regulates TFDP1 expression by directly interacting with TFDP1. TK1 regulated the Wnt pathway through the TK1/TFDP1/β-catenin axis in bladder cancer. Our study revealed that TK1 plays a critical role in bladder cancer and provides novel insights into bladder cancer treatment.