NEK8 promotes the progression of gastric cancer by reprogramming asparagine metabolism
2025

NEK8 and Its Role in Gastric Cancer Progression

Sample size: 153 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Wang Mingliang, Yu Kexun, Meng Futao, Wang Huizhen, Li Yongxiang

Primary Institution: The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University

Hypothesis

NEK8 promotes the progression of gastric cancer by reprogramming asparagine metabolism.

Conclusion

NEK8 is identified as a critical factor in gastric cancer progression through its regulation of asparagine metabolism and the mTORC1 pathway.

Supporting Evidence

  • NEK8 is significantly upregulated in gastric cancer tissues compared to normal tissues.
  • Silencing NEK8 reduces gastric cancer cell aggressiveness in vitro and in vivo.
  • NEK8 interacts with and phosphorylates ASNS, affecting asparagine metabolism.
  • High NEK8 expression correlates with poor prognosis in gastric cancer patients.
  • NEK8 regulates the mTORC1 pathway through modulation of amino acid metabolism.

Takeaway

NEK8 helps cancer cells grow by changing how they use a building block called asparagine, which is important for their survival.

Methodology

The study involved cell culture, gene expression analysis, immunohistochemistry, and in vivo experiments using mouse models.

Potential Biases

Potential biases may arise from the selection of cell lines and the interpretation of immunohistochemical results.

Limitations

The study primarily focuses on in vitro and in vivo models, which may not fully replicate human gastric cancer conditions.

Participant Demographics

The study analyzed 129 gastric cancer tissues and 24 adjacent normal tissues.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/s10020-024-01062-9

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