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Overexpression of RhoGDI, a novel predictor of distant metastasis, promotes cell proliferation and migration in hepatocellular carcinoma
Author(s) -
Wang Hui,
Wang Bin,
Liao Qing,
An Hongying,
Li Weidong,
Jin Xuejun,
Cui Shuzhong,
Zhao Liang
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
febs letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.593
H-Index - 257
eISSN - 1873-3468
pISSN - 0014-5793
DOI - 10.1016/j.febslet.2013.12.016
Subject(s) - gene knockdown , cell growth , pi3k/akt/mtor pathway , cancer research , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , mapk/erk pathway , metastasis , regulator , hepatocellular carcinoma , cell culture , signal transduction , cancer , genetics , gene
RhoGDI (Rho GDP‐dissociation inhibitor alpha, or RhoGDIα) was identified as a regulator of Rho GTPases, but its role in cancer remains controversial. In this study, increased expression of RhoGDI was detected in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines and tissues with highly metastatic potential. RhoGDI overexpression correlated with postoperative distant metastasis. Enforced expression of RhoGDI in HCC cells significantly enhanced cell proliferation and migration. Conversely, knockdown of RhoGDI caused an inhibition of the aggressive phenotypes of HCC cells. Furthermore, RhoGDI up‐regulated Rho, but not Rac, and enhanced PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathway activity. Our findings suggest that RhoGDI overexpression is a predictor of distant metastasis and plays an important role in the progression of HCC.