A mechanistic study revealing that SLCO1B3 promotes gastric cancer development and metastasis through MAP1S expression downregulation

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) remains a significant cause of mortality worldwide. Exploring the pathogenesis of GC is crucial for developing new therapeutic strategies. Methods: Clinical sample sequencing and immunohistochemical analyses were employed to investigate the expression patterns of solute carrier organic anion transporter B3 (SLCO1B3) in GC and surrounding normal tissues, as well as its effect on GC prognosis. In vitro GC studies were performed to confirm the effects of SLCO1B3 overexpression and knockdown on GC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, as well as the influence of SLCO1B3 overexpression on carcinogenesis in vivo. Additionally, RNA sequencing of GC cells overexpressing SLCO1B3 identified microtubule-associated protein 1S (MAP1S) as a downstream target, revealing that SLCO1B3 promotes GC progression by downregulating MAP1S expression. Conclusion: SLCO1B3 expression is elevated in GC versus adjacent tissues and correlates with diminished patient survival rates. SLCO1B3 overexpression promotes GC occurrence and metastasis by downregulating MAP1S expression.