GPX8 promotes migration and invasion by regulating epithelial characteristics in non-small cell lung cancer

Background: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. The family of glutathione peroxidase (GPX), an important antioxidant enzyme in human tissues, has been discovered to play a key role in the development of cancers. GPX8 is the most promising molecule of the family in a therapeutic strategy against a variety of cancers. The main purpose of this study was to examine and analyze the function and clinical value of GPX8 in NSCLC.

Methods: Immunohistochemistry (IHC), western blot analysis and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were used to assess GPX8 expression and its clinical significance in NSCLC. A series of cell biology experiments and bioinformatic analysis tools were further used to study the function of GPX8.

Results: GPX8 expression in tumor tissues was much higher than that in normal lung tissues. High expression of GPX8 in NSCLC was correlated with a worse clinical outcome and prognosis. Furthermore, GPX8 could inhibit the apoptosis of tumor cells and promote its migration and invasion.

Conclusions: Our results conclusively demonstrated that GPX8 could affect the oncogenesis and prognosis of NSCLC via regulating epithelial characteristics. The study also illustrated that GPX8 could serve as a prognostic predictor and potential therapeutic target for NSCLC.