Dimerization is essential for HAb18G/CD147 promoting tumor invasion via MAPK pathway

► HAb18G/CD147 forms dimers both in solution and in living cells. ► Dimerization of HAb18G/CD147 can be disrupted by mutagenesis. ► Key residues for dimerization of HAb18G/CD147 were identified. ► Disruption of HAb18G/CD147 dimerization attenuates the MAPK activation in tumor. ► Dimerization is required for HAb18G/CD147 induced MMP2 expression and tumor invasion.