The Activation of Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase (ERK)/Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) Signal Transduction Pathway on Invasive Growth of Breast Cancer

Abstract

ERK/MAPK signal transduction pathway participates in occurrence and progression of breast cancer. This study utilized epidermal growth factor (EGF) and ERK antagonist PD98059 to analyze ERK/MAPK signal's role in breast cancer cells. Breast cancer MCF-7 cell line was separated into control group, EGF group, PD98059 group and EGF+ PD98059 group. Cell proliferation activity was assessed by MTT, whilst TUNEL was to describe cell apoptosis. Transwell assay was employed for cell invasion and migration. Protein expression of ERK1/2 and p-ERK1/2. Compared to control group, EGF treatment elevated cell proliferation or invasion/migration and decreased apoptosis at 6 h, 12 h and 24 h. PD98059 treatment decreased proliferation activity or cell invasion/migration, and enhanced apoptosis. Treatment of EGF plus PD98059 further decreased proliferation and invasion/migration compared to EGF group, but with higher level than PD98059 group (p < 0 05). EGF treatment elevated ERK1/2 and pERK1/2, PD98059 group had lower ERK1/2 or pERK1/2 expression, whilst EGF plus PD98059 treatment further decreased ERK1/2 and pERK1/2 expression (p < 0 05). EGF can regulate proliferation and invasion of breast cancer MCF-7 cells via ERK/MAPK signaling.