DCBLD1 as a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in breast cancer: clinical validation and mechanistic insights

Objective: To investigate the expression of DCBLD1 (discoidin, CUB, and LCCL domain-containing protein 1) in breast cancer tissues and its correlation with patient prognosis, and evaluate its potential as a novel prognostic marker and therapeutic target. Methods: Differential expression of DCBLD1 between breast cancer and normal tissues was analyzed using GEO and METABRIC databases, combined with survival analysis and Cox multivariate regression analysis to evaluate its prognostic value. Effective interference sequences were screened using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and knockdown efficiency was validated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. The effects of DCBLD1 on breast cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were investigated using CCK-8, flow cytometry, Transwell migration and invasion assays, and wound healing assays. Results: DCBLD1 was significantly overexpressed in breast cancer tissues ( P = 0.0113), and patients with high expression exhibited shorter overall survival P = 1.93e−6, hazards ratio (HR) = 1.33. Cox multivariate analysis confirmed DCBLD1 as an independent prognostic factor (HR = 1.14, P = 0.0302), and it was positively correlated with tumor grade ( P < 0.001), stage ( P = 0.003), and metastasis ( P = 0.009). Knockdown of DCBLD1 significantly inhibited breast cancer cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion capacities while promoting apoptosis. Conclusion: DCBLD1 exhibits oncogene functions in breast cancer and can serve as an independent prognostic marker and potential therapeutic target, with its expression level closely correlated to tumor malignancy and metastasis risk.