ABSTRACT
@# Objective: : To investigate the effects of GBX2 gene on the proliferation, migration and invasion of human cervical carcinoma SiHa cells and to explore the mechanism. Methods: Recombinant plasmid over-expressing GBX2 gene (pCMV6-entry-GBX2, experimental group) and empty vector plasmid (pCMV6-entry, negative control group) were transfected into cervical cancer SiHa cells by plasmid transfection technique. The proliferation, colony formation and cell cycle of transfected cells were detected by WST-1 method, Colony formation assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The cell migration and invasion were detected by wound healing assay and Transwell assay. The expression level of IL-6 in cell culture supernatant was detected by ELISA. WB was used to detect the expression changes of EMT-related proteins and to explore its possible mechanism. Results: Compared with the SiHa/pCMV6 negative control group, after up-regulation of GBX2, (1) the proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion of SiHa/GBX2 cells in the experimental group were significantly enhanced (all P<0.01); The proportion of cells in G0/G1 phase decreased while the proportion of cells in S phase and G2/M phase increased (all P<0.01); (2) the expression of E-cadherin decreased, and the expressions of N-cadherin, vimentin and snail increased (all P<0.01); (3) the expression of IL-6 in the culture supernatant of SiHa/GBX2 cells was significantly up-regulated (P<0.01); (4) STAT3 phosphorylation in SiHa/GBX2 cells was enhanced, and could be inhibited by STAT3 inhibitor S31-201 (P<0.01). Conclusion: GBX2 may induce EMT of cervical cancer SiHa cells through IL-6/STAT3 pathway, thereby promoting the proliferation, migration and invasion of cervical cancer cells.