<i>IPCEF1</i>: Expression Patterns, Clinical Correlates and New Target of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

<b>Introduction:</b> Despite the generally favorable prognosis of PTC (Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma), it can still exhibit aggressive behavior and lead to patient mortality. <i>IPCEF1</i> (interaction protein for cytohesin exchange factors 1) has emerged as a critical player in cell signaling related to proliferation and migration in cancer progression. <b>Objective:</b> Our research aimed to determine whether <i>IPCEF1</i> is a key gene in PTC, elucidate its possible molecular mechanisms and ultimately search for new targets. <b>Methods:</b> This research utilized four gene expression array datasets and TCGA database to examine the role of <i>IPCEF1</i> in PTC. Differential gene expression analysis, survival analysis, KEGG and GO enrichment and immune cell infiltration correlations were realized by bioinformatic methods. The expressions of <i>IPCEF1</i> in PTC tissues were examined by IHC and the proliferation, migration, cell cycles of PTC cells were examined by CCK8, transwell and flow cytometry. <b>Results:</b> <i>IPCEF1</i> had lower expression in PTC tumor tissues and its lower expression might lead to worse T/N stage and DFS/ PFS, which is perhaps related to its regulation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway and immune microenvironment (macrophage and Tregs). <i>IPCEF1</i> reduced the proliferation and migration ability of PTC cells, which is consistent with our clinical observations. Besides, we also found that high expression level of <i>IPCEF1</i> lead to cell cycle arrest in the S or G2 phase, which ultimately reduced cell growth and proliferation. <b>Conclusion:</b> <i>IPCEF1</i> is a cancer suppressor gene in the progression of PTC, influencing patient survival and prognosis through modulation of immune infiltration and signaling pathways.