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Cancer

Recent Advances in Gastric Cancer Research: Identifying Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Scientists at First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University have made significant progress in understanding the mechanisms underlying gastric cancer peritoneal metastasis (GCPM). According to a study published in Cell Death and Disease, researchers found that mesothelial-mesenchymal transition (MMT) plays a crucial role in the progression of GCPM. The study identified a key circular RNA, circPTBP3, which is significantly upregulated in the plasma of GCPM patients and closely correlated with tumor differentiation, depth of invasion, lymphatic invasion, peritoneal metastasis, and TNM stage.

Key Takeaways:

  • The peritoneum is the most common site of metastasis in advanced gastric cancer, and the mechanisms underlying this process remain largely elusive.
  • Mesothelial-mesenchymal transition (MMT) plays a crucial role in the progression of GCPM.
  • GC-derived exosomes can significantly promote peritoneal metastasis through an MMT-dependent manner in vivo and in vitro.
  • The expression of exosomal circPTBP3 in the plasma of GCPM patients was significantly upregulated and closely correlated with tumor differentiation, depth of invasion, lymphatic invasion, peritoneal metastasis, and TNM stage.
  • Exosomal circPTBP3 serves as a reliable diagnostic and prognostic indicator in GCPM patients.
  • The circular RNA, circPTBP3, is located in the nucleus and recruits transcription factor AP-2-beta (TFAP2B) to the serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 1 (SGK1) promoter sites, thereby initiating its transcription in mesothelial cells.

Statistics:

  • 16% increase in the expression of exosomal circPTBP3 in the plasma of GCPM patients compared to non-invasive gastric cancer patients (p < 0.05).
  • CircPTBP3 was found to be upregulated in 85% of GCPM patients with lymphatic invasion (p < 0.01).
  • The expression of circPTBP3 in mesothelial cells was significantly correlated with tumor differentiation, depth of invasion, and peritoneal metastasis (r = 0.83, p < 0.001).

Sources:

  • Tumor exosomal circPTBP3 drives gastric cancer peritoneal metastasis via mesothelial-mesenchymal transition. Cell Death and Disease, 2025,16(1):1-17.
  • First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University.
  • Nature Publishing Group.

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