A new study found that the protein KRT19 may play a major role in helping gastric cancer spread. Researchers discovered that KRT19 does more than provide structural support inside cells. Instead, it can move into the cell nucleus and activate signals that increase cancer cell movement and invasion.
The study showed that KRT19 levels were significantly higher in gastric cancer tissues, especially in tumors that had spread to lymph nodes or the liver. Patients with high KRT19 expression also had poorer survival outcomes.
Laboratory experiments found that reducing KRT19 levels slowed cancer cell migration and invasion, while increasing KRT19 made tumors more aggressive. In mouse models, suppressing KRT19 greatly reduced liver metastases.
Researchers identified a signaling pathway in which KRT19 activates NF-κB and FSCN1, a protein involved in forming filopodia — structures that help cancer cells move and spread. The findings suggest KRT19 could become a future target for anti-metastatic therapies in gastric cancer.