Abstract:
Objective To examine the expression of Runx2 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and its effect on the migration and invasion and to evaluate the expression of Runx2 in inducing MMP9 expression.
Methods Immunohistochemistry staining was performed to investigate the relation between the expression of Runx2 and MMP9. Transfection with Runx2 overexpression plasmid in HepG2 cells were conducted to induce exogenous expression of Runx2 and Runx2 knockdown plasmid in SMMC7721 cells and to interfere the quantity of Runx2 protein. The expression of Runx2 and MMP9 in HepG2 and SMMC7721 cells were analyzed by Western blotting and compared with the control. For wound healing assays, cell motility was assessed by measuring the movement of cells into a scarp, and the invasion assay was used to determine the function of invasive potential.
Results Immunohistochemistry staining results revealed the association of Runx2 expression with MMP9 expression in HCC specimen. After transfection, Runx2 expression in HepG2 cells increased with the expression of MMP9 and enhanced cell motility and invasion. In SMMC7721 cells, Runx2 and MMP9 expression decreased and cell motility and invasion were inhibited.
Conclusion Runx2 might promote hepatocellular carcinoma migration and invasion by promoting MMP9 expression.