CLCA2 overexpression suppresses epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in cervical cancer cells through inactivation of ERK/JNK/p38-MAPK signaling pathways

Abstract

Cervical cancer is an important malignant tumor threatening the physical and mental health of women in the world. As a new calcium activated chloride channel protein, calcium activated chloride channel (CLCA2) plays an important role in tumorigenesis and development. But its role and exact regulatory mechanism in cervical cancer are still unclear. In our study, we found CLCA2 was significantly decreased in cervical cancer cells, and overexpression of CLCA2 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion, and promotes apoptosis of cervical cancer cells, and CLCA2 inhibited EMT (Epithelial-mesenchymal transition) through an p38 / JNK / ERK pathway. The results in vivo were consistent with those in vitro. In conclusion, overexpression of CLCA2 inhibited the progression of cervical cancer in vivo and in vitro. This may provide a theoretical basis for CLCA2 as a new indicator of clinical diagnosis and prognosis of cervical cancer or as a potential target of drug therapy.