The role and relationship of EZH2, MMP-2 and MMP-9 in HCC invasion and metastasis / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

ABSTRACT

Objective: To detect the expressions of enhancers of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues, analyze the correlation of EZH2, MMP-2 and MMP-9 expressions in HCC tissues with the clinicopathological factors of HCC to explore the role of EZH2 in the invasion and migration of HCC cells and the regulatory effects of EZH2 on MMP-2 and MMP-9. Methods: The expressions of EZH2, MMP-2 and MMP-9 in HCC tissues was detected by qRT-PCR. We analyzed the relationship of EZH2, MMP-2 and MMP-9 with the clinicopathological factors of HCC. Pearson correlation was used to analyze the correlation between EZH2, MMP-2 and MMP-9 expressions in HCC tissues. SMMC-7721 HCC cell lines with down-regulated EZH2 expression were constructed by small interfering RNA transfection. Transwell assay was used to observe the effects of EZH2 on invasion and migration of SMMC-7721 cells. qRT-PCR was used to detect the regulatory effects of EZH2 on MMP-2 and MMP-9 in HCC cells. Results: EZH2, MMP-2 and MMP-9 expressions were increased in HCC tissues, and they were correlated with adverse clinicopathological factors. There was a significant correlation between the expressions of EZH2 and MMP-9 in HCC tissues. Deletion of EZH2 significantly inhibited the invasion and migration of HCC cells and inhibited MMP-9 expression in HCC cells. Conclusion: EZH2, MMP-2 and MMP-9 are all closely associated with HCC progression, and they can be potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for HCC.