RFX5 promotes the growth, motility, and inhibits apoptosis of gastric adenocarcinoma cells through the SIRT1/AMPK axis

Gastric cancer is among the most common gastrointestinal malignancies with high morbidity and mortality rates, highlighting the need to further elucidate its pathogenesis and identify effective therapeutic targets. The regulatory factor X (RFX) gene family encodes transcription factors implicated in the development and progression of several cancers. Although RFX5 has been reported to influence tumor progression in various malignancies, its specific role in gastric adenocarcinoma remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the functional effects of RFX5 in gastric adenocarcinoma. Our findings revealed that RFX5 is highly expressed in gastric adenocarcinoma tissues. Silencing of RFX5 significantly inhibited cell proliferation and migration, while promoting apoptosis in gastric adenocarcinoma cells. Mechanistically, RFX5 knockdown activated the silent information regulator transcript 1/adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (SIRT1/AMPK) signaling axis. These results suggest that RFX5 facilitates the growth and motility of gastric adenocarcinoma cells and suppresses apoptosis, at least in part, through modulation of the SIRT1/AMPK pathway.