Aims
This study aimed to explore the role of FLOT2 and its related mechanism in the development of cervical cancer. Study design: Cell culture study and animal experimentation.
Background
As prevalent cancer in women, approximately 569,847 cases of cervical cancer occur every year. Aims: This study aimed to explore the role of FLOT2 and its related mechanism in the development of cervical cancer. Study design: Cell culture study and animal experimentation.
Conclusion
FLOT2 aggravates the proliferation and epithelialmesenchymal transition of cervical cancer by activating the MEK/ ERK1/2 and AKT pathways.
Methods
Quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction PCR and Western blot analysis were performed to evaluate the expression of FLOT2. Flow cytometry was applied for the evaluation of cell apoptosis. Cell Counting Kit-8 and colony formation were utilized for proliferation measurement. Cervical cancer mice model was employed to measure the role of FLOT2 in vivo.
Results
FLOT2 mRNA and protein levels were dramatically elevated (P < 0.001) in cervical cancer cell line HcerEpic cells. The cell viability and proliferation of cervical cancer cells were enhanced (P < 0.01) by overexpression of FLOT2 and reduced (P < 0.01) by FLOT2 downregulation. In addition, FLOT2 overexpression elevated (P < 0.01) the cell migration abilities of cervical cancer cells, whereas its depletion inhibited (P < 0.01) the cell migration abilities. Moreover, the protein expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers including Vimentin, N-cadherin, and E-cadherin were assessed, and the results showed enhanced Vimentin and N-cadherin levels (P < 0.05) by FLOT2 upregulation and declined (P < 0.01) by FLOT2 downregulation. FLOT2 upregulation reduced (P < 0.05) the level of E-cadherin protein, whereas FLOT2 suppression attenuated this effect (P < 0.05). Furthermore, FLOT2 increased (P < 0.05) p-MEK/MEK, p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2, and p-AKT/AKT levels to activate the MEK/ERK1/2 and AKT pathways in cervical cancer. Finally, our results indicated that FLOT2 inhibited (P < 0.001) cervical cancer growth in vivo.