Aquaporin-8 mediates human esophageal cancer Eca-109 cell migration via the EGFR-Erk1/2 pathway.

Abstract

Abnormal expression of aquaporins (AQPs) has been reported in several human cancers. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-extracellular signal-regulated kinases1/2 (ERK1/2) are associated with tumorigenesis and cancer progression and may upregulate AQPs expression. In this study, we investigated acquaporin-8 expression and signaling via epidermal growth factor receptor-extracellular signal-regulated kinases1/2 in human esophageal cancer Eca-109 cells by western blot, immunofluorescence and wound healing (scratch) assays. Our results showed that epidermal growth factor (EGF) induced both Eca-109 migration and AQP8 expression. Wound healing results showed that cell migration was increased by 1.23-1.10-fold at 24 h and 48 h after EGF treatment. AQP8 expression was significantly increased (1.19-fold) at 48 h after EGF treatment in Eca-109. The EGFR kinase inhibitor, PD153035, blocked EGF-induced AQP8 expression and cell migration. AQP8 expression was decreased from 3.65-fold (EGF-treated) to 0.55-fold (PD153035-treated) in Eca-109. Furthermore, the MEK [MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase)/Erk1/2]/Erk1/2 inhibitor U0126 also inhibited EGF-induced AQP8 expression and cell migration. AQP8 expression was decreased from 3.92-fold (EGF-treated) to 1.38-fold (U0126-treated) in Eca-109. In conclusions, EGF induces AQP8 expression and cell migration in Eca-109 cells via the EGFR/Erk1/2 signal transduction pathway.

• Authors: Heng Chang, Yong-Hua Shi, Tuo-Kan Talaf, Chen Lin
• Journal: International journal of clinical and experimental pathology (Int J Clin Exp Pathol) Vol. 7 Issue 11 Pg. 7663-71 ( 2014) ISSN: 1936-2625 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 25550802 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Aquaporins
• aquaporin 8
• Epidermal Growth Factor
• ErbB Receptors

Topics

• Aquaporins (metabolism)
• Cell Line, Tumor
• Cell Movement (drug effects, physiology)
• Epidermal Growth Factor (pharmacology)
• ErbB Receptors (metabolism)
• Esophageal Neoplasms (metabolism, pathology)
• Humans
• MAP Kinase Signaling System (drug effects, physiology)
• Wound Healing (drug effects, physiology)