RNA-binding protein BICC1 promotes gastric cancer progression via the PRRX1-MAPK signaling axis.

Gastric cancer (GC) poses a significant global health burden due to its elusive molecular pathogenesis. Defining key molecular drivers is essential for developing targeted therapeutics. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) function as pivotal regulators of cancer-related mechanisms, facilitating tumor advancement and growth. Bicaudal C homolog 1 (BICC1), an understudied RBP in GC, is frequently dysregulated and strongly implicated in the progression of multiple tumor types. In this study, we observed significantly elevated BICC1 expression in GC tissues and cells. Clinical analysis identified BICC1 overexpression as an independent predictor of poor prognosis. Preclinical evidence confirmed BICC1 drives GC cell proliferation and migration both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, BICC1 directly binds PRRX1 mRNA, thereby upregulating PRRX1 expression to facilitate gastric carcinogenesis through MAPK activation. Therapeutic targeting of the BICC1-PRRX1-MAPK axis represents a promising novel strategy against advanced GC.