Numerous studies in the field of cancer indicate that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a significant role in the development and malignancy of various cancers. In this study, the expression changes of TMEM105 in gastric cancer (GC) and its association with malignancy were examined.

In the in silico section, TMEM105 expression in GC and its correlation with patient prognosis were analyzed using publicly available datasets. Using WGCNA analysis on TCGA data, modules and potential pathways associated with TMEM105 were identified. Expression changes of TMEM105 in GC tissues compared with adjacent healthy tissues were analyzed by RT-qPCR. The expression level of TMEM105 in GC cell lines, including AGS and MKN-45, was modulated using siRNA. The relationship between TMEM105 expression and malignant characteristics, including cell proliferation, migration, and colony formation, was examined in these cell lines.

TMEM105 was significantly upregulated in public datasets, including TCGA, GSE19826, and GSE54129. TMEM105 expression was associated with advanced disease stage and poor prognosis. WGCNA analysis revealed that TMEM105 expression clustered with genes related to cell proliferation, such as E2F target genes, within the same module. Silencing TMEM105 reduced the viability of GC cell lines and decreased mRNA expression of proliferation-related genes, including E2F1, Cyclin D1, and Ki-67. Silencing TMEM105 markedly reduced migration rates in GC cells. Moreover, TMEM105 expression affected the colony-forming ability of these cell lines.

High TMEM105 expression in GC is associated with poorer patient outcomes. It appears to influence cellular proliferation and contribute to the development and malignancy of gastric carcinoma. Consequently, TMEM105 could be a valuable therapeutic and prognostic target.