KIF14 promotes proliferation, lymphatic metastasis and chemoresistance through G3BP1/YBX1 mediated NF-κB pathway in cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), a highly lethal and fetal cancer derived from the hepatobiliary system, is featured by aggressive growth and early lymphatic metastasis. Elucidating the underlying mechanism and identifying the effective therapy are critical for advanced CCA patients. In the study, we detected that KIF14 was upregulated in CCA samples, especially in patients with lymph node metastasis and vascular invasion. CCA patients with higher KIF14 were associated with worse overall survival and recurrence-free survival after surgery. Gain-of and loss-of function studies showed that KIF14 enhanced CCA cells proliferation, migration, invasion and lymphatic metastasis whereas its silencing abolished the effects in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistic investigation showed that KIF14 bound to the G3BP1/YBX1 complex and facilitated their interaction, causing increased activity of the NF-kappa B promoter and activation of NF-kappa B pathway. Furthermore, increased KIF14 level enhanced chemotherapy-resistance to gemcitabine-based regimen and induced immunosuppressive microenvironment. In addition, KIF14 was direct target of HNF4A and inversely regulated by HNF4A. Together, these findings suggested that KIF14 could be a potential oncogene and a good indicator in predicting prognosis and chemotherapy guidance for CCA patients.

Automated summary

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a highly lethal and fetal cancer derived from the hepatobiliary system. The upregulation of KIF14 in CCA samples is associated with worse overall survival and recurrence-free survival, as well as increased proliferation, migration, invasion, and lymphatic metastasis of CCA cells. Mechanistically, KIF14 binds to the G3BP1/YBX1 complex and enhances their interaction, leading to the activation of the NF-kappa B pathway. Additionally, KIF14 plays a role in chemotherapy resistance and induction of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. In summary, KIF14 could serve as a potential oncogene and a valuable indicator for prognosis and chemotherapy guidance in CCA patients.