SLC2A9-Mediated Uric Acid Homeostasis Modulates Apoptosis in TNBC.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the biological function of SLC2A9 in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and its molecular mechanism of influencing TNBC cells by regulating uric acid (UA) metabolism.

METHODS

Bioinformatics analysis was performed to screen genes intersecting TNBC and UA metabolism pathways. TNBC cell lines were cultured in vitro, followed by the establishment of SLC2A9 overexpression and knockdown models. Subsequently, the levels of intracellular and extracellular UA were quantified. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion capabilities were assessed using CCK-8, plate cloning, flow cytometry apoptosis analysis, scratch assay, and Transwell assays. Western blot analysis evaluated the expression of apoptosis-related proteins and UA metabolism proteins.

RESULTS

SLC2A9 was significantly downregulated in TNBC tissues and most cell lines. SLC2A9 overexpression inhibited TNBC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion while promoting apoptosis. It also increased extracellular UA secretion and reduced intracellular UA accumulation. Conversely, SLC2A9 knockdown or probenecid treatment reversed these phenotypes. SLC2A9 exerts its effects by upregulating XDH, downregulating ABCG2, and modulating mitochondrial apoptosis pathway protein expression.

CONCLUSION

SLC2A9 regulates the malignant phenotype of TNBC by altering the levels of UA inside and outside the cell. Its anticancer activity depends on UA transport function, making it a promising prognostic biomarker and novel metabolic therapeutic target for TNBC.