The VAX2-LINC01189-hnRNPF signaling axis regulates cell invasion and migration in gastric cancer

Abstract Transcription factors (TFs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) contribute to gastric cancer (GC). However, the roles of TFs and lncRNAs in the invasion and metastasis of GC remain largely unknown. Here, we observed that the transcription factor VAX2 is significantly upregulated in GC cells and tissues and acts as an oncogene. Moreover, high VAX2 expression is associated with the advancement of tumors in GC. In terms of functionality, the enforced expression of VAX2 promotes the proliferation and metastasis of GC cells. Mechanistically, VAX2 specifically interacts with the LINC01189 promoter and represses LINC01189 transcription. Furthermore, LINC01189 exhibits significant downregulation in GC and functions as a suppressor gene. Functionally, it inhibits migratory and invasive abilities in GC cells. In the context of GC metastasis, VAX2 plays a role in modulating it by trans-repressing the expression of LINC01189. Additionally, LINC01189 binds to hnRNPF to enhance hnRNPF degradation through ubiquitination. The cooperation between LINC01189 and hnRNPF regulates GC cell invasion and migration. In addition, both VAX2 and hnRNPF are highly expressed, while LINC01189 is expressed in at low levels in GC tissues compared to normal gastric tissues. Our study suggests that VAX2 expression facilitates, while LINC01189 expression suppresses, metastasis and that the VAX2-LINC01189-hnRNPF axis plays a contributory role in GC development.