Comprehensive Bioinformatics Analysis and Validation of the Mechanism of Glutamic-pyruvic Transaminase 2 in Bladder Cancer

<b>Objective:</b> Glutamic pyruvic transaminase 2 (GPT2) promotes the initiation and progression of various cancers. However, its regulatory role in bladder cancer (BCa) remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to validate the role of GPT2 in BCa using bioinformatics analysis combined with <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> experiments. <b>Methods:</b> We utilized bioinformatic approaches to download GPT2-related genomic datasets and preliminarily analyzed their expression profile and clinical significance in BCa. Multidimensional predictions regarding the mechanisms by which GPT2 influences BCa progression were generated by integrating diverse bioinformatic analyses. These predictions were further validated through <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> experiments to confirm GPT2 expression patterns and pro-tumorigenic mechanisms. <b>Conclusion:</b> GPT2 is highly expressed in BCa and is associated with a poor prognosis in patients with BCa. GPT2 has been implicated in tumorigenesis, immune cell infiltration, cell proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and maintenance of stemness. GPT2 knockdown reduced EMT and stemness in BCa cells, suppressed their proliferation, invasion, and migration, and inhibited subcutaneous tumor formation and growth in nude mice. Investigating and elucidating the mechanism of GPT2 in bladder cancer (BCa) provides novel evidence for further understanding the pathogenesis of bladder cancer and developing subsequent therapeutic strategies.