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World J Gastrointest Oncol. Aug 15, 2026; 18(8): 120240
Published online Aug 15, 2026. doi: 10.4251/wjgo.v18.i8.120240
Published online Aug 15, 2026. doi: 10.4251/wjgo.v18.i8.120240
E74-like E26 transformation-specific transcription factor 3 in gastric cancer: Functions, mechanisms, and clinical translation - unresolved issues
Yun-Jun Yan, Zhen Yang, Ruo-Yu Chao, Jun-Li Shi, Jinan Vocational College of Nursing, Jinan 250102, Shandong Province, China
Co-first authors: Yun-Jun Yan and Zhen Yang.
Author contributions: Yan YJ and Yang Z contributed equally to this work as co-first authors. Yan YJ and Yang Z designed the overall concept and outline of the manuscript; Chao RY and Shi JL contributed to the literature review and analysis; Yan YJ and Yang Z wrote and edited the manuscript; and all authors reviewed and approved the final version.
AI contribution statement: AI tools (DeepSeek) were used for initial Chinese-to-English translation of the manuscript. The translated text was then professionally edited for language by Medjaden. No AI tool was involved in the generation of research data, interpretation of results, or formulation of conclusions. All authors take full responsibility for the accuracy, originality, and integrity of this manuscript.
Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest to disclose.
Corresponding author: Yun-Jun Yan, PhD, Jinan Vocational College of Nursing, No. 3636 Gangxi Road, Licheng District, Jinan 250102, Shandong Province, China.
Received: February 24, 2026
Revised: March 26, 2026
Accepted: May 7, 2026
Published online: August 15, 2026
Processing time: 164 Days and 7.1 Hours
Revised: March 26, 2026
Accepted: May 7, 2026
Published online: August 15, 2026
Processing time: 164 Days and 7.1 Hours
Core Tip
Core Tip: E74-like E26 transformation-specific transcription factor 3 (ELF3) exhibits context-dependent functions in gastric cancer. Present evidence supports its pro-tumorigenic role through the regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and immune evasion, although functional validation remains required. Patients with high ELF3 expression present with a “cold” tumor phenotype that may limit the responsiveness to immunotherapy. Future research should focus on completing the chain of functional validation and systematically evaluating existing ELF3-targeting compounds in gastric cancer models, particularly in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors.