Zheng C, Mao Y, Ye J, Zhang M, Chen Y. Function and mechanism of exogenous AGR2 in colorectal cancer cells.
Heliyon 2024;
10:e28175. [PMID:
38560175 PMCID:
PMC10981063 DOI:
10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28175]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background
Anterior gradient 2 (AGR2) is highly enriched in several malignant tumors and can boost tumor metastasis. Whereas, AGR2 role in colorectal cancer (CRC) is not clear.
Methods
AGR2 expression in the GEPIA database was studied, and the results were confirmed by Western blot in CRC cell lines (SW480, SW620, and HT-29). The impact of AGR2 on the multiplication, migration, invasion and EMT of CRC cells were studied by CCK-8 assay, as well as clone formation, wound healing and transwell assays. The protein concent related to the AKT/β-catenin signaling pathway were accessed via Western blot.
Results
AGR2 concent in CRC tissues was notablely boosted versus normal colorectal tissues. Exogenous AGR2 boosted the multiplication of CRC cells. In addition, exogenous AGR2 induced EMT, which demonstrated that ZEB1, N-cadherin, Vimentin, Slug, Snail protein concent boosted and E-cadherin protein abated in CRC cells. In terms of mechanism, exogenous AGR2 upgulated p-AKT/AKT, p-GSK3β/GSK3β and β-catenin concent. Exogenous AGR2 combined with AKT agonist IGF- Ⅰ can further enhance the multiplication, migration and invasion of CRC cells.
Conclusion
Exogenous AGR2 enhances the multiplication of CRC cells and induces EMT process, the mechanism of which is related to AKT/β-catenin signal pathway.
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