Chloride channel-3 is required for efficient tumour cell migration and invasion in human cervical squamous cell carcinoma.

•ClC-3 is increased expression in cervical squamous cell carcinoma.•ClC-3 silencing inhibited cervical squamous carcinoma cell migration and invasion.•ClC-3 facilitated cervical squamous carcinoma cell migration and invasion via PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.•ClC-3 is a positive regulator of MMP-9 expression via PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.