High expression of vinculin predicts poor prognosis and distant metastasis and associates with influencing tumor-associated NK cell infiltration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in gastric cancer
Huafu Li, Chunming Wang, Linxiang Lan, Axel Behrens, Mona Tomaschko, Josue Ruiz, Qiao Su, Guangying Zhao, Cheng Yuan, Xing Xiao, Bo Li, Leping Yan, Wu Wang, Wuguo Li, Junzong Chen, Yulong He, Changhua Zhang
Abstract
experiments under 3D conditions, we found that vinculin, cell invasion and metastasis are clearly linked. VCL can affect EMT and tumor immunity by regulating EPCAM gene expression. The role and mechanism of action of vinculin have been controversial, but this molecule may downregulate EpCAM (epithelial cellular adhesion molecule) and its own role in gastric cancer through DNA methylation, causing NK cells to enrich into tumor cells and kill tumor cells. At the same time, it promotes the occurrence of EMT, which in turn causes tumor metastasis and thus poorer prognosis.