EMP1 Induces Proliferation and Migration of Pancreatic Cancer Cells by Activating PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway

ObjectiveTo investigate the biological behavior of EMP1 in pancreatic cancer cells and the molecular mechanism of EMP1 in promoting tumor progression. MethodsA stable EMP1 knockdown cell line was obtained by lentivirus transfection. The effect of EMP1 on the proliferation of cancer cells was determined by CCK-8 and clonal formation assay. The effect of EMP1 on the migration and invasion of cancer cells was detected by scratch test and Transwell test. The influence of EMP1 on downstream signaling pathways was investigated by Western blot. ResultsThe results of qRT-PCR and Western blot showed that EMP1 was highly expressed in pancreatic cancer cells. The results of CCK-8, colony formation, scratch, and Transwell assays indicated that EMP1 promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells. Western blot results revealed that EMP1 might promote tumor progression through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. ConclusionThis study suggested that EMP1 may activate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to promote the proliferation, migration, and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells, thereby positively regulating tumor progression.