Level of melanotransferrin in tissue and sera serves as a prognostic marker of gastric cancer

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to identify novel biomarkers that are vital for improving management of patients with gastric cancer (GC). Materials and Methods: An RNA-sequencing analysis was conducted using gastric tissue from patients with metastatic GC. In vitro cell functions were evaluated by siRNA-mediated knockdown assays. A total of 230 pairs of gastric tissue were subjected to expression analysis of mRNA and protein in situ. The serum levels of the candidate biomarker were determined by ELISA. Results: MELTF was identified as a candidate biomarker. Inhibition of MELTF expression suppressed the invasion ability of GC cells. Increased tissue MELTF mRNA expression was associated with shorter survival. Furthermore, staining intensity of tissue MELTF protein was linked to recurrence rates. Serum MELTF levels gradually were increased from healthy controls to advanced GC. Patients with high serum MELTF levels had poor prognosis. Conclusion: Both tissue and serum MELTF levels may serve as biomarkers of GC progression.