Kruppel-like factor 8 promotes aerobic glycolysis in prostate cancer cells by regulating AKT/mTOR signaling pathway

Purpose: To investigate the effects of KrOppel-like factor 8 (KLF8) in prostate cancer (PCa) cell viability and glycolysis, and explore its role as a regulatory factor. Methods: lmmunoblot assays were conducted to assess the expression of KLF8 and proteins in AKT/mTOR pathway in PCa cell lines PC-3 and DU145. Cell Counting Kit-8 assays were performed to assess the effect of KLF8 on PCa cell viability. The glycolysis capacity of PCa cells was determined by measuring the levels of glucose intake, lactic acid production, and cellular ATP levels. Results: Depletion of KLF8 decreased the survival of PCa cells in vitro (p < 0.05). KLF8 depletion also inhibited aerobic glucose metabolism in PCa cells (p < 0.05). Further studies confirmed that KLF8 contributed to the growth and glycolysis of PCa cells via the regulation of AKT/mTOR pathway. Conclusion: KLF8 regulates glycolysis in PCa cells by regulating AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and is thus a promising therapeutic target for PCa treatment.