IGF2BP3 promotes gastric cancer progression by inhibiting ferroptosis through ETV4-mediated regulation of GCH1

BACKGROUND: Ferroptosis can be inhibited by insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3) in cancers. ETS variant transcription factor 4 (ETV4) is aberrantly expressed in various cancers. Elevated transcription of guanosine triphosphate cyclohydrolase 1 (GCH1) contributes to tumor malignancy. This study investigated the involvement of IGF2BP3, ETV4, and GCH1 in ferroptosis in gastric cancer (GC). METHODS: GC cells and tissue samples were used to detect IGF2BP3, ETV4, and GCH1 expression. The relationships between IGF2BP3, ETV4, and GCH1 were assessed using RNA immunoprecipitation assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, and dual-luciferase reporter assay. BALB/c nude mice were utilized to establish GC tumor xenografts. Cell cloning and Transwell were used to detect the proliferation, migration, and invasion of cells. RESULTS: . CONCLUSIONS: IGF2BP3 promotes tumor growth and inhibits ferroptosis in GC by regulating ETV4, while ETV4 promotes GCH1 expression by direct interaction with its promoter. GCH1 overexpression counteracts the effects of ETV4 and IGF2BP3 on GC.