Abstract
Rap2B, belonging to the Ras superfamily, has been implicated in cancer development and functions as a tumor promoter. However, the role of Rap2B in cervical cancer is unknown. In this study, we investigated the expression pattern and biological functions of Rap2B in cervical cancer. The results showed that Rap2B was overexpressed in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines. Knockdown of Rap2B inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of cervical cancer cells. In addition, our tumorigenesis assay showed that Rap2B knockdown suppressed cervical cancer cell growth and metastasis in vivo. We also found that the ERK1/2 signaling pathway is involved in the inhibitory effect of Rap2B knockdown on cervical cancer development. In conclusion, we suggest that Rap2B is an oncogene and may be a promising therapeutic target for cervical cancer.