Ang-(1-7) promotes the migration and invasion of human renal cell carcinoma cells via Mas-mediated AKT signaling pathway

Ang-(1-7) is an active peptide component of renin-angiotensin system and endogenous ligand for Mas receptor. In the current study, we showed that Ang-(1-7) enhanced migratory and invasive abilities of renal cell carcinoma cells 786-O and Caki-1 by wound-healing, transwell migration and transwell invasion assays. Mas antagonist A779 pretreatment or shRNA-mediated Mas knockdown abolished the stimulatory effect of Ang-(1-7). Furthermore, Ang-(1-7)-stimulated AKT activation was inhibited by either A779 pretreatment or Mas knockdown. Blockage of AKT signaling by AKT inhibitor VIII inhibited Ang-(1-7)-induced migration and invasion in 786-O cells. Taken together, our results provided the first evidence for the pro-metastatic role of Ang-(1-7) in RCC, which may help to better understand the molecular mechanism underlying the progression of this tumor.