IPCEF1: Expression Patterns, Clinical Correlates and New Target of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Introduction: Despite the generally favorable prognosis of PTC (Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma), it can still exhibit aggressive behavior and lead to patient mortality. IPCEF1 (interaction protein for cytohesin exchange factors 1) has emerged as a critical player in cell signaling related to proliferation and migration in cancer progression. Objective: Our research aimed to determine whether IPCEF1 is a key gene in PTC, elucidate its possible molecular mechanisms and ultimately search for new targets. Methods: This research utilized four gene expression array datasets and TCGA database to examine the role of IPCEF1 in PTC. Differential gene expression analysis, survival analysis, KEGG and GO enrichment and immune cell infiltration correlations were realized by bioinformatic methods. The expressions of IPCEF1 in PTC tissues were examined by IHC and the proliferation, migration, cell cycles of PTC cells were examined by CCK8, transwell and flow cytometry. Results: IPCEF1 had lower expression in PTC tumor tissues and its lower expression might lead to worse T/N stage and DFS/ PFS, which is perhaps related to its regulation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway and immune microenvironment (macrophage and Tregs). IPCEF1 reduced the proliferation and migration ability of PTC cells, which is consistent with our clinical observations. Besides, we also found that high expression level of IPCEF1 lead to cell cycle arrest in the S or G2 phase, which ultimately reduced cell growth and proliferation. Conclusion: IPCEF1 is a cancer suppressor gene in the progression of PTC, influencing patient survival and prognosis through modulation of immune infiltration and signaling pathways.