High eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 alpha 1 expression promotes proliferation and predicts poor prognosis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Yi Bao, Tang-Liang Zhao, Z-Q Zhang, Xiao-Long Liang, Zhi-Xiang Wang, Ying Xiong, Xin Lu,  Lin-Hui Wang

Abstract:

Accumulating evidence indicates that eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1 alpha 1 (eEF1A1) is involved in cancer, while the clinical significance and the exact role of eEF1A1 in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remain obscure. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical significance of eEF1A1 in RCC and to investigate its effective mechanisms in order to identify a potential therapeutic target. The expression levels of eEF1A1 in RCC were explored by immunohistochemistry in tissues from 184 patients. eEF1A1 was knocked down, and cell proliferation and apoptosis were then investigated. The MAPK pathway-related proteins were detected by western blot. Our results revealed that eEF1A1 was highly expressed in RCC tissues and associated with poor prognosis. Knockdown of eEF1A1 attenuated proliferation and promoted the apoptosis of RCC cells. Furthermore, eEF1A1 knockdown decreased the phosphorylation level of AKT and ERK. In conclusion, eEF1A1 may serve as a valuable prognostic biomarker and promising therapeutic target of RCC.