PSAT1 regulated by STAT4 enhances the proliferation, invasion and migration of ovarian cancer cells via the PI3K/AKT pathway

Epithelial ovarian cancer, the most prevalent form of ovarian cancer, is a health concern worldwide. Phosphoserine aminotransferase 1 (PSAT1), as the rate‑limiting enzyme in serine synthesis, is key in the conversion of 3‑phosphoglycerate to serine. The present study explored the role of PSAT1 expression in epithelial ovarian tumors. Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis was used for gene expression and survival analyses. The effects of PSAT1 overexpression and knockdown on invasion, migration, proliferation and cell cycle progression of ovarian cancer cell lines were investigated both <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i>. Western blotting was conducted to assess alterations in PI3K/AKT signalling pathway proteins. Database and tissue sample data confirmed that PSAT1 was significantly upregulated in ovarian cancer. Preliminary functional investigations indicated that PSAT1 was involved in modulation of invasion and migration, demonstrating the capacity of PSAT1 to enhance expression of the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway. These findings suggested that PSAT1 served a critical role in the onset and progression of ovarian cancer, thereby offering a theoretical basis for early detection and therapeutic strategies.