Clinical pathological significance and biological functions of APIP in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background & aims: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the most common malignant tumors globally, characterized by high morbidity and mortality. This study aims to investigate the clinical and pathological significance of Apaf-1-interacting protein (APIP) expression in HCC, assess its biological effects on HCC cells, and explore the underlying mechanisms.

Methods: Internal tissue samples were analyzed to determine APIP expression and its clinical relevance in HCC using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). External datasets were employed for verification. Experiments investigating cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were performed to understand the biological role and molecular mechanisms of APIP in HCC cells. Additionally, upstream transcription factors regulating APIP expression were explored.

Results: APIP expressionwas significantly higher in HCC tissues compared to adjacent non-tumor tissues, effectively distinguishing HCC from normal liver tissues. APIP expression correlated with age, gender, and poor prognosis in patients with HCC. Furthermore, downregulation of APIP promoted apoptosis and inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells. A regulatory relationship between APIP and the transcription factor Serum Response Factor (SRF) was also identified.

Conclusion: APIP significantly contributes to the initiation and progression of HCC by mediating cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion. Therefore, APIP may serve as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for HCC.