Objective  To explore the relationship between basic transcription factor 3 (BTF3) and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cell migration, invasion, and proliferation.

Methods  The expression levels of BTF3 in GBM tissues were analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis 2 (GEPIA2), and The University of ALabama at Birmingham CANcer data analysis Portal (UALCAN) online databases. The effects of inhibiting BTF3 on the malignant biological properties of GBM cells were assessed using the cell scratch, plate colony formation, Cell Counting Kit (CCK)-8, and Transwell assays, and the effect of BTF3 knockdown on Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) signaling pathway-related protein expression levels in GBM cells was determined using Western blot. In addition, GBM cells stably transfected with KD-BTF3 were subcutaneously injected into nude mice, and tumor sizes were analyzed. Western blot was performed to verify the expression of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway-related proteins in the tumor tissues.

Results  1) BTF3 was highly expressed in GBM cells. 2) After BTF3 knockdown, the malignant biological properties of GBM cells were significantly decreased. 3) After BTF3 knockdown, phosphorylated (p)-JAK2 and p-STAT3 expressions were downregulated, JAK2 and STAT3 expressions were unchanged, and p21 expression was increased. 4) BTF3 knockdown inhibited GBM tumorigenesis. Therefore, the expression of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway-related proteins was consistent with the in vitro results.

Conclusions  BTF3 is highly expressed in GBM and regulates the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GBM cells through the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.