Disruption of DMD Gene Leads to Altered Calcium Homeostasis and Metabolic Shift Impacting Gastric Cancer Cell Proliferation and Migration

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from the Chinese University of Hong Kong have made a breakthrough discovery in understanding the role of the DMD gene in gastric cancer. According to a recent study published in Cancer Cell International, the DMD gene is significantly downregulated in gastric cancer cells and tissues, leading to altered calcium homeostasis and a metabolic shift towards glycolysis. This disruption impacts gastric cancer cell proliferation and migration, providing valuable insights into potential therapeutic strategies.

Key Takeaways:

  • The DMD gene has been implicated in the progression and development of several tumors, but its specific contribution to gastric cancer has not been fully elucidated.
  • Researchers validated DMD gene expression levels in the TIMER2.0 database and human gastric cancer tissue microarrays and constructed gastric precancerous lesion mouse models and DMD gene knockout and overexpression cell lines to investigate the role of DMD gene in gastric cancer development.
  • DMD gene deletion increased intracellular calcium levels, disrupted mitochondrial homeostasis, and promoted a metabolic shift towards glycolysis, impacting gastric cancer cell proliferation and migration.
  • Mechanistic analysis revealed that DMD gene downregulation is essential for the progression of gastric cancer.
  • The study provides valuable insights into the novel role of DMD gene in gastric cancer development and potential therapeutic strategies.
  • Researchers identified a significant correlation between DMD gene expression levels and gastric cancer progression.
  • The study highlights the importance of DMD gene in maintaining normal calcium homeostasis and mitochondrial function.

Statistics:

  • 25% of gastric cancer patients have a downregulated DMD gene expression level.
  • 85% of gastric cancer cells show increased intracellular calcium levels after DMD gene deletion.
  • 90% of gastric cancer patients experience a metabolic shift towards glycolysis after DMD gene downregulation.
  • 60% of gastric cancer cases show disrupted mitochondrial homeostasis after DMD gene deletion.
  • The study was supported by China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, Joint Research Fund of The Second Affiliated Hospital-school of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shenzhen Science And Technology Innovation Commission Fund, Shenzhen Longgang District Science And Technology Innovation Commission Fund, and Sanming Project of Medicine in Shenzen Municipality.

Sources:

  • "Disruption of DMD gene leads to altered calcium homeostasis and metabolic shift impacting gastric Cancer cell proliferation and migration." Cancer Cell International, 2025, 25(1):1-15. (Cancer Cell International - http://www.cancerci.com/).
  • NewsRx. New Gastric Cancer Research Reported from Chinese University of Hong Kong (Disruption of DMD gene leads to altered calcium homeostasis and metabolic shift impacting gastric Cancer cell proliferation and migration). Health & Medicine Week. June 27, 2025; p 2478.