Reduced IQGAP2 promotes esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by regulating MEK/ERK MAPK pathway

Background IQ motif-containing GTPase activating protein 2 (IQGAP2) has been identified as a tumor suppressor in various cancers; however, its role in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unclear. Methods We analyzed IQGAP2 expression in tumor tissues from 236 ESCC patients using RNA sequencing and validated the findings with qPCR. EC9706 ESCC cell lines with IQGAP2 overexpression and knockdown were established via lentiviral transfection and selection. Cell proliferation was assessed using the CCK-8 assay, and activation of the MEK/ERK MAPK pathway was evaluated by Western blotting. Results IQGAP2 expression was significantly decreased in tumor samples from ESCC patients. Overexpression of IQGAP2 markedly inhibited proliferation of ES9706 cells, whereas knockdown of IQGAP2 promoted cell proliferation. Mechanistically, decreased IQGAP2 expression enhances ESCC cell proliferation by activating the MEK/ERK MAPK signaling pathway. Conclusion Our findings highlight IQGAP2 as a potential therapeutic target in ESCC, warranting further investigation for the development of effective treatments.