EDDM3A drives gastric cancer progression by promoting HIF-1α-dependent aerobic glycolysis

Epididymal protein 3A (EDDM3A) is a protein involved in sperm maturation. It has been demonstrated that EDDM3A expression is upregulated and promotes cell proliferation in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the role of EDDM3A in other types of human cancers, including gastric cancer (GC), is still unexplored. Here, we show that the expression of EDDM3A is significantly upregulated in gastric cancer (GC) tissues and its upregulation correlates with poorer survival in patients with gastric cancer. Knockdown of EDDM3A inhibited growth and metastasis of GC cells, whereas overexpression of EDDM3A exhibited the opposite effect. Mechanistically, enhanced aerobic glycolysis mediated by upregulation of HIF-1α and subsequently increased target glycolytic genes and decreased mitochondrial biogenesis was found to contribute to the promotion of tumor growth and metastasis by EDDM3A in GC cells. Additionally, upregulation of EDDM3A in GC is at least partially mediated by downregulation of miR-618. In conclusion, elevated EDDM3A plays a pivotal oncogenic role in gastric carcinogenesis, suggesting it as a potential therapeutic target for treatment of GC.