The neurotrophic factor Artemin promotes the motility and invasiveness of MIA PaCa-2 pancreatic cancer cells

Objective The aim of this study was to analyze the capacity of Artemin promoting the motility and invasiveness of MIA PaCa-2 pancreatic cancer (PAC) cells. Methods The PAC cell line MIA PaCa-2 was cultured in vitro and studied using Transwell chamber analysis. The motility and invasiveness ability affected by different concentrations of Artemin and its receptor GFRα3 were determined. Expression level of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), epithelial cadherin (E-cadherin) were quantitative analysis using RT-PCR and Western blot in MIA PaCa-2 cells stimulated with Artemin and receptor GFRα3. Results MIA PaCa-2 PAC cell motility and invasiveness was significantly increased with Artemin and its receptor GFRα3 increasing concentrations than control ( P < 0.01). 150 ng/mL was the best of both the role of concentration. MMP-2 was increased significantly ( t = 6.35, t = 7.32), while E-cadherin was significantly lower ( t = 4.27, t = 5.61), after affected by the 150 ng/mL Artemin and GFRα3, respectively. The difference was statistically significant compared with the control group ( P < 0.01). Conclusion Artemin and its receptor GFRα3 can promote PAC cell motility and invasiveness ability and contribute to the aggressive behavior. The mechanism may be related to increased expression of MMP-2 molecule and E-cadherin down-regulation expression.