# Validation of the important role and prognostic value of KIF14 in triple-negative breast cancer

## TL;DR

This study shows that high KIF14 levels are linked to worse outcomes in triple-negative breast cancer and may help guide treatment.

## Contribution

The study validates KIF14 as a novel prognostic biomarker and functional driver in triple-negative breast cancer.

## Key findings

- Elevated KIF14 expression correlates with poor prognosis in breast cancer patients.
- KIF14 knockdown reduces TNBC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.
- KIF14 is associated with lipid metabolism and key signaling pathways like NF-κB and mTOR.

## Abstract

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype with a poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Elevated Kinesin Family Member 14 (KIF14) expression in breast cancer (BC) is correlated with poor prognosis, but its role in TNBC remains unclear.

KIF14 expression was analyzed using TCGA, TIMER, and GEO databases, and its association with prognosis was assessed via Kaplan‒Meier plotter. Functional assays, including CCK-8, wound healing, and Transwell assays, were performed to evaluate KIF14's impact on TNBC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. GO and KEGG analyses of transcriptome data were used to explore molecular mechanisms. The relationship between KIF14 expression and immune infiltration was assessed in the TIMER database. KIF14 expression in clinical samples was validated using qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry, and its correlation with clinical features was examined.

KIF14 was significantly upregulated in BC (P < 0.05), and elevated KIF14 expression was associated with poor prognosis. KIF14 knockdown reduced cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Network analysis revealed its involvement in lipid metabolism, NF-κB, PI3K-AKT, and mTOR signaling pathways. Immune infiltration analysis showed a significant association between KIF14 and immune cell types.

KIF14 promotes TNBC progression and serves as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for TNBC.