CDCA5-EEF1A1 interaction promotes progression of clear cell renal cell carcinoma by regulating mTOR signaling

Abstract Background Cell division cycle associated 5 (CDCA5) plays ontogenetic role in various human cancers. However, its specific function and regulatory mechanism in ccRCC remain uncertain. Methods Immunohistochemistry and western blots were performed to investigate the expression of CDCA5 in ccRCC tissues. Genetic knockdown and upregulation of CDCA5 were performed to investigate its functional roles in ccRCC proliferation, migration, apoptosis and sunitinib resistance. Furthermore, Co-IP assay and LC–MS/MS were performed to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Results We found that CDCA5 expression is frequently upregulated in ccRCC tumors and is associated with poor prognosis of ccRCC patients. Functionally, CDCA5 promotes proliferation, migration, and sunitinib resistance, while inhibiting apoptosis in ccRCC cells. In vivo mouse xenograft model confirms that silencing of CDCA5 drastically inhibits the growth of ccRCC. Mechanistically, we discovered that CDCA5 interacts with Eukaryotic Translation Elongation Factor 1 Alpha 1 (EEF1A1) to regulate mTOR signaling pathway, thereby promoting ccRCC progression. Conclusions Taken together, our results demonstrate the significant role of CDCA5 in ccRCC progression. The findings may provide insights for the development of new treatment strategies targeting CDCA5 for ccRCC patients.