Frontiers in Oncology (Feb 2021)

G6PD-NF-κB-HGF Signal in Gastric Cancer-Associated Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promotes the Proliferation and Metastasis of Gastric Cancer Cells by Upregulating the Expression of HK2

  • Bin Chen,
  • Tuo Cai,
  • Chao Huang,
  • Xueyan Zang,
  • Li Sun,
  • Shuwei Guo,
  • Qianqian Wang,
  • Zhihong Chen,
  • Yuanyuan Zhao,
  • Zhiqiang Han,
  • Rongman Xu,
  • Wenrong Xu,
  • Mei Wang,
  • Bo Shen,
  • Wei Zhu

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2021.648706
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11

Abstract

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Background: Tumor-associated stromal cells have been widely recognized for their tumor-promoting capability involving paracrine signaling. However, the underlying mechanism and the effects of the molecules in the glycolysis pathway in gastric cancer-associated mesenchymal stem cells (GCMSCs) and gastric cancer cells on tumor progression remain unclear.Methods: The expression of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in GCMSCs and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The effect of HGF derived from GCMSCs on the proliferation, metastasis, and HK2 expression of gastric cancer cells was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The effects of G6PD on the production of HGF in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were analyzed by immunoblotting.Results: HGF derived from GCMSCs promoted glycolysis, proliferation, and metastasis of gastric cancer by upregulating c-Myc-HK2 signal. The progression of the disease induced by GCMSCs decelerated in the absence of HK2. The expression of G6PD activated NF-κB signaling and stimulated the production of HGF in GCMSCs. Blocking HGF derived from GCMSCs decreased proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis of gastric cancer cells in vivo.Conclusions: GCMSCs highly expressed G6PD and facilitated the progression of gastric cancer through the G6PD-NF-κB-HGF axis coordinates. Blocking HGF derived from GCMSCs is a potential new therapeutic target for the treatment of gastric cancer.

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