Capicua homology protein inhibits the progression of gastric cancer through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Abstract Purpose Capicua homolog protein (CIC) played a broad role in the development of cancer in humans, however, its role in the progression of gastric cancer (GC) specifically has been unclear. This study aimed to explore the expression of CIC and its potential clinical value in patients with GC. Methods The CIC levels in GC tissues and cell lines were examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). And the in-vitro effects of CIC expression in MGC-803 cells on their proliferation, invasion, and the progression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition were assessed by CCK-8 assays, Matrigel-invasion analysis, qRT-PCR and Western blot assays, separately. In addition, the effects of downregulation of CIC on the activation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway were measured using Western-blot analysis. Results The results showed CIC levels were lower in GC tissues and GC cell lines, and these lower CIC levels were correlated with tumor differentiation, Helicobacter pylori infection, TNM stage, and patient survival. In addition, CIC overexpression could promote cell proliferation, invasion, and progression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in MGC-803 cells. Notably, exotic expression of CIC inactivated the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathway. Conclusions In conclusion, our finding suggested CIC could serve as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and a probable therapy target for GC.