Tata-box-binding protein-associated factor 15 as a new potential marker in gastrointestinal tumors

In this editorial,the roles of tata-box-binding protein-associated factor 15(TAF15)in oncogenesis,tumor behavior,and as a therapeutic target in cancers in the context of gastrointestinal(GI)tumors are discussed concerning the publication by Guo et al.TAF15 is a member of the FET protein family with a comprehensive range of cellular processes.Besides,evidence has shown that TAF15 is involved in many diseases,including cancers.TAF15 contributes to carcinogenesis and tumor behavior in many tumors.Besides,its relationship with the mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPK)signaling pathway makes TAF15 a new target for therapy.Although,the fact that there is few studies investigating the expression of TAF15 constitutes a potential limitation in GI system,the association of TAF15 expression with aggressive tumor behavior and,similar to other organ tumors,the influence of TAF15 on the MAPK signaling pathway emphasize that this protein could serve as a new molecular biomarker to predict tumor behavior and target therapeutic intervention in GI cancers.In conclusion,more studies should be performed to better understand the prognostic and therapeutic role of TAF15 in GI tumors,especially in tumors resistant to therapy.

TATA-box-binding protein-associated factor 15 is a novel biomarker that promotes cell proliferation and migration in gastrointestinal stromal tumor

BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal stromal tumor(GIST)is a common neoplasm with high rates of recurrence and metastasis,and its therapeutic efficacy is still not ideal.There is an unmet need to find new molecular therapeutic targets for GIST.TATA-boxbinding protein-associated factor 15(TAF15)contributes to the progress of various tumors,while the role and molecular mechanism of TAF15 in GIST progression are still unknown.AIM To explore new molecular therapeutic targets for GIST and understand the biological role and underlying mechanisms of TAF15 in GIST progression.METHODS Proteomic analysis was performed to explore the differentially expressed proteins in GIST.Western blotting and immunohistochemical analysis were used to verify the expression level of TAF15 in GIST tissues and cell lines.Cell counting kit-8,colony formation,wound-healing and transwell assay were executed to detect the ability of TAF15 on cell proliferation,migration and invasion.A xenograft mouse model was applied to explore the role of TAF15 in the progression of GIST.Western blotting was used to detect the phosphorylation level and total level of RAF1,MEK and ERK1/2.RESULTS A total of 1669 proteins were identified as differentially expressed proteins with 762 upregulated and 907 downregulated in GIST.TAF15 was selected for the further study because of its important role in cell proliferation and migration.TAF15 was significantly over expressed in GIST tissues and cell lines.Overexpression of TAF15 was associated with larger tumor size and higher risk stage of GIST.TAF15 knockdown significantly inhibited the cell proliferation and migration of GIST in vitro and suppressed tumor growth in vivo.Moreover,the inhibition of TAF15 expression significantly decreased the phosphorylation level of RAF1,MEK and ERK1/2 in GIST cells and xenograft tissues,while the total RAF1,MEK and ERK1/2 had no significant change.CONCLUSION TAF15 is over expressed in GIST tissues and cell lines.Overexpression of TAF15 was associated with a poor prognosis of GIST patients.TAF15 promotes cell proliferation and migration in GIST via the activation of the RAF1/MEK/ERK signaling pathway.Thus,TAF15 is expected to be a novel latent molecular biomarker or therapeutic target of GIST.