Effect of Rab8a on proliferation and migration of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells and its molecular mechanism

Abstract

Abstract Purpose To explore the expression and function of Rab8a in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods The study first used TIMER, GEPIA and UALCAN to analyze the expression of Rab8a in a variety of clinically common malignancies including ESCC, followed by real-time PCR (quantitative real-time PCR, qPCR), Western blot, immunohistochemical (IHC) tests, and a series of in vitro biological experiments. Results Rab8a is highly expressed in the esophageal cancer cells and tissues, and its expression is significantly correlated with the size and depth of invasion of the esophageal squamous carcinoma. overexpression of Rab8a can promote the proliferation and migration of ESCC while knockdown its expression can inhibit the proliferation and migration of ESCC, indicating a positive correlation of Rab8a with NDUFA1 and CYC 1 expression through GEO database analysis. Therefore, Rab8a may promote ESCC progression by activating mitochondrial respiration. Conclusions This study demonstrated that Rab8a is upregulated in ESCC and may promote its proliferation and migration by activating mitochondrial respiration. This study provides a rationale for clinical diagnosis and screening of new therapeutic targets for ESCC.