Role of FBXW7 expression in gastric cancer: Meta-analysis and bioinformatics analysis

F-box/WD repeat domain-containing 7 (FBXW7, also known as CDC4) is a member of the F-box protein family, which is a component of the E3 ubiquitin ligase complex. There is an association between expression of FBXW7 and the prognosis of gastric cancer. Therefore, the search for novel tumor biomarkers is key to predict the occurrence, recurrence and metastasis of gastric cancer. In the present study, systematic meta-analysis and bioinformatics analysis were performed to determine the expression levels of prognostic marker FBXW7 in gastric cancer. A literature search was conducted on August 10, 2022, using PubMed, SinoMed, Wanfang data and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases. The meta-analysis included six studies and showed that the expression of FBXW7 was significantly downregulated in gastric cancer compared with normal mucosal tissues (P<0.05). FBXW7 expression was positively associated with lymph node metastasis, TNM stage and differentiation (P<0.05). According to the Oncomine database, FBXW7 mRNA expression was higher in gastric cancer than in normal tissue (P<0.05). Kaplan-Meier plots showed that FBXW7 mRNA expression was positively associated with the overall and progression-free survival of patients with gastric cancer. According to the UALCAN and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis databases, FBXW7 expression was downregulated in gastric cancer compared with normal tissue. FBXW7 may be involved in the entire process of gastric carcinogenesis and its low expression may make it a potential marker for the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer.

Automated summary

In this study, systematic meta-analysis and bioinformatics analysis were conducted to determine the expression levels of FBXW7 as a prognostic marker in gastric cancer. The meta-analysis included six studies and revealed that FBXW7 expression was significantly downregulated in gastric cancer. According to the Oncomine database, FBXW7 mRNA expression was higher in gastric cancer than in normal tissue. Kaplan-Meier plots showed that FBXW7 mRNA expression was positively associated with the overall and progression-free survival of patients with gastric cancer.