Molecular Insights into BZW1 Expression and [18F]FDG PET/CT Metabolic Parameters in LUAD

Early detection and intervention in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) are critical for improving patient prognosis. This study explores the role of basic leucine zipper and W2 domains 1 (BZW1, BZAP45) in regulating malignant cellular behavior and glycolytic metabolism in LUAD.

Bioinformatics and clinical information analysis was conducted to study BZW1 expression and its relationship with prognosis, glycolysis-related genes expression and PET/CT parameters of 2-deoxy-2-[¹⁸F]fluoro-D-glucose ([¹⁸F]FDG) in LUAD. BZW1 was knocked out in A549 cell line and verified. In vitro and in vivo studies were performed to analyze BZW1’s impact on malignant behaviors and glycolysis. Non-targeted mass spectrometry analyzed xenograft tumor metabolites and potential biomarkers.

Bioinformatic analyses identified BZW1 as a pivotal gene driving LUAD progression. The retrospective analysis revealed that BZW1 expression is elevated in LUAD tissues and is significantly correlated with clinical tumor parameters and metabolic parameters obtained from [¹⁸F]FDG PET/CT. In vitro assays demonstrated that BZW1 overexpression promotes LUAD cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In vivo experiments with mouse xenograft models confirmed that BZW1 promotes tumor growth. Further analysis revealed that BZW1 may facilitate glycolysis and the Warburg effect by upregulating hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and cellular Myelocytomatosis (c-Myc).

These findings highlighted the role of BZW1 in LUAD metabolism and may promote tumor progression through modulating of glycolytic pathways. In conclusion, BZW1 is significantly associated with LUAD malignancy and [¹⁸F]FDG PET/CT derived metabolic parameters. It could provide a potential molecular target for the diagnosis and treatment of LUAD, offering new insights into precision oncology.