LASP-1 promotes tumor proliferation and metastasis and is an independent unfavorable prognostic factor in gastric cancer

Purpose The LIM and SH3 protein 1 (LASP-1) is a focal adhesion protein, and its expression has been reported to be increased in many malignant tumors. However, the role of LASP-1 in gastric cancer is still unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship of LASP-1 expression with the progression and prognosis of gastric cancer. Methods Expression of LASP-1 was evaluated in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. The relationship between LASP-1 expression and clinicopathological characteristics was analyzed. Using RNA interference, the effects of LASP-1 on cell proliferation, migration and invasion were investigated in gastric cancer cell lines both in vitro and in vivo. Results The LASP-1 was overexpressed in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines. LASP-1 expression was significantly associated with tumor size, invasive depth, TNM stage, lymph node metastasis and p53 expression (all P