TRIM52 promotes proliferation, invasion, and migration of gastric cancer cells by regulating Wnt/β-catenin pathway

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to reveal the role and mechanism of tripartite motif-containing 52 (TRIM52) in gastric cancer (GC) progression.Methods: The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was utilized to analyze TRIM52 expression in GC samples and para-carcinoma tissue samples, and the results were confirmed by quantitative realtime polymerase chain reaction. Cell counting kit-8 and colony formation assays were used to evaluate cell viability. Wound healing assay was utilized to analyze cell migration, while Transwell assay was utilized to evaluate cell invasion. TRIM52, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, matrix metalloproteinase-2, Wnt5a, β-catenin, and c-Myc protein levels were measured by western blot.Results: TRIM52 was expressed more in GC tissue samples and cells compared to normal tissues and cells (p < 0.001). Overexpression of TRIM52 promoted growth, migration, and invasion of HGC-27 cells, and silencing inhibited growth, migration, and invasion of HGC-27 cells (p < 0.001). In addition, TRIM52 overexpression increased Wnt5a, β-catenin, and c-Myc protein expression, and silencing decreased Wnt5a, β-catenin, and c-Myc protein expression (p < 0.001 or p < 0.01), indicating that TRIM52 activates Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.Conclusion: These findings reveal that TRIM52 facilitates GC cell proliferation, migration and invasion, but activates Wnt/β-catenin signaling.