AHNAK2 exacerbates the malignant phenotype of gastric cancer through activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

[BACKGROUND] AHNAK2 is acknowledged to function as an oncoprotein that enhances the invasive and metastatic potential of tumor cells in multiple types of malignancy. Nevertheless, its specific role in gastric cancer (GC) remains unclear.

[METHODS] Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to examine AHNAK2 expression in matched GC tissues and paracancerous tissues, Clinical and pathological data was gathered for the purpose of investigate the association of AHNAK2 expression and prognosis in patients with GC. AHNAK2 protein expression and location was examined using Western blotting (WB) and immunofluorescence (IF). The effects of AHNAK2 knockdown on the malignant biological behavior of GC cells were evaluated. Transcriptome sequencing and WB analyses were conducted to explore the potential molecular mechanisms underlying AHNAK2-mediated regulation of GC progression.

[RESULTS] WB, IF, and IHC analyses demonstrate that AHNAK2 expression is upregulated in GC, and patients with high AHNAK2 protein expression exhibit poorer overall survival rates. Knockdown of AHNAK2 results in reduced invasive, proliferative, and migratory capacities of GC cells, along with increased apoptosis. RNA sequencing and WB analysis further confirmed that AHNAK2 exacerbates the malignant phenotypic characteristics of GC through activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

[CONCLUSION] AHNAK2 may serve as a new prognostic biomarker and a prospective therapeutic target in GC.