Analysis of the role of BAP31-related exosomal miRNAs as potential prognostic biomarkers for gastric cancer.

Owing to the nonspecific nature of early symptoms of gastric cancer, the high postoperative recurrence rate, and considerable interindividual heterogeneity, accurate prognosis assessment is essential for optimizing individualized clinical management. BAP31 is closely associated with gastric cancer, and the progression of this malignancy is exacerbated by elevated levels of BAP31 expression. This study aims to investigate the relationship between miRNAs derived from BAP31-overexpressing exosomes (BAP31-exos) and prognostic models in gastric cancer. High-throughput sequencing was used to detect the expression levels of miRNAs in BAP31-exos to screen for differentiated miRNAs. The effects of differentiated miRNAs on cell proliferation were evaluated by CCK-8 and colony formation assays. The target genes of the miRNAs were predicted and protein‒protein interaction (PPI) network was analyzed using the STRING database and visualized through Cytoscape. LASSO regression analysis was conducted on the predicted target genes to construct a prognostic risk scoring model, which was verified through Cox regression analyses, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, and Kaplan‒Meier analysis, and the prognostic model was visualized using a nomogram. Three significant miRNAs were screened from the BAP31-exos. Exosomes promoted the proliferation of GCs via these three miRNAs. The predicted target genes were significantly enriched in tumor-related signaling pathways, leading to the identification of hub genes. A gastric cancer risk scoring model was established. This study reveals the important role of BAP31-related miRNAs in the prognosis of GC. A reliable risk prognosis scoring model for gastric cancer was established, facilitating the development of individualized diagnosis strategies.