SUGT1 regulates the progression of ovarian cancer through the AKT/PI3K/mTOR signaling pathway

Abstract

This study investigates the expression and functional roles of SUGT1 in ovarian cancer, utilizing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) projects. Our analyses reveal that SUGT1 is significantly upregulated in ovarian cancer tissues compared to normal controls. We further explore the prognostic value of SUGT1, where elevated expression correlates with poorer patient outcomes, particularly in ovarian cancer. The functional implications of SUGT1 in cancer biology were assessed through in vitro and in vivo experiments. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) indicates a significant association between high SUGT1 expression and the activation of glycolytic pathways, suggesting a potential role in metabolic reprogramming. Inhibition of SUGT1 via siRNA in ovarian cancer cell lines results in decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis, along with reduced migration and invasion capabilities. Additionally, our study identifies the transcription factor ELF1 as a significant regulator of SUGT1 expression. Through promoter analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation, we demonstrate that ELF1 directly binds to the SUGT1 promoter, enhancing its transcription. This regulatory mechanism underscores the importance of transcriptional control in cancer metabolism, providing insights into potential therapeutic targets. Our findings establish SUGT1 as a crucial player in the oncogenic processes of ovarian cancer, influencing both metabolic pathways and transcriptional regulation. This highlights its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target in managing ovarian cancer.