The potential role of TNFAIP3 in malignant transformation of gastric carcinoma

Tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced protein 3 (TNFAIP3), a deubiquitinating enzyme, plays an essential regulatory role in inflammation, immune responses and tumorigenesis. Our present study indicates that TNFAIP3 is required for the ubiquitination degradation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) related transcription factors Snail and ZEB1, which further altered the expression of EMT-related marker proteins and eventually contributing to the malignant phenotype and poorer prognosis of gastric carcinoma. Depletion of TNFAIP3 attenuated the capacity of proliferation, migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells in vitro. Taken together, these findings propose a pathway linking the TNFAIP3 to the EMT-mediated metastatic process in gastric cancer, which provides a viable strategy regarding the interventions and prognostic analysis of gastric carcinoma in clinical practice.