GCNT3 promotes the proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and migration of breast cancer through the PI3K/AKT pathway

Background: Breast cancer (BRCA) constitutes one of the principal causes of death among women. The objective of this study was to explore the impact of glucose-aminotransferase 3 (GCNT3) on the growth, invasion, and metastasis of BRCA cells. Additionally, the aim of this research was to clarify the underlying molecular mechanisms through which GCNT3 influences the development and progression of BRCA and to ascertain the potential of GCNT3 as a novel BRCA biomarker. Methods: Analysis involved data sourced from the The Cancer Genome Atlas database (TCGA). Expression levels of GCNT3 were measured using Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Additionally, cell functionality tests were performed posttransfection with GCNT3-specific interference plasmids to assess the influence of GCNT3 in BRCA by using EdU assay, transwell assay, and flow cytometric assay, as well as PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Results: GCNT3 levels were notably elevated in BRCA tissues compared to adjacent noncancerous tissues. Reducing GCNT3 expression significantly diminished the proliferation, invasion, and migration capabilities of BRCA cells (P<0.05) and concurrently increased apoptosis (P<0.05). The data also indicated that GCNT3 may be involved in activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Conclusions: Elevated GCNT3 expression in BRCA tissues suggests the potential of GCNT3 to be a biomarker for predicting BRCA prognosis. The regulation of p-PI3K and p-AKT levels by GCNT3 appears to considerably inhibit BRCA cell development and progression.