Effect of PRKD3 on cell cycle in gastric cancer progression and downstream regulatory networks.

Protein kinase D3 (PRKD3), belonging to the protein kinase D family, significantly influences tumor development and progression. The role of PRKD3 in advancing gastric cancer (GC) and its effects on the cell cycle are not well understood, necessitating detailed investigation. Assessment of PRKD3 expression in both malignant and normal gastric tissues was performed using bioinformatics databases. The influence of PRKD3 on GC's malignant characteristics was evaluated through in vitro experiments utilizing cell line models of GC. Additionally, proteomic analyses were conducted to investigate the potential mechanisms of PRKD3 in GC progression. PRKD3 was notably overexpressed in GC tissues, correlating with adverse outcomes for patients. PRKD3 knockdown impaired GC cell malignancy, manifesting as a 2.12-fold decline in proliferation(p < 0.01), 2.64-fold suppression of migration(p < 0.01), 2.16-fold inhibition of invasion(p < 0.01), and G2/M phase arrest. Proteomic and Western blot analyses had revealed a substantial enrichment in differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) associated with tumor-related signaling pathways, including FoxO and p53, which was paralleled by significant alterations in the levels of key cell cycle proteins such as CDK1, CyclinB1, CHK1 and PLK1, with a 6.8-fold elevation in CHK1 levels(p < 0.05). The overexpression of PRKD3 was intricately linked with the aggressive behaviors of GC. Targeting PRKD3 activity offers potential for effective treatments of GC.