PIWIL4 regulates cervical cancer cell line growth and is involved in down-regulating the expression of p14ARF and p53

Recently, PIWIL4 has been identified as a functional protein involved in tumorigenesis. Cervical cancer is the second most prevalent form of cancer worldwide. The relationship between PIWIL4 and cervical cancer is still unknown. Here, we found that PIWIL4 is up-regulated in human cervical cancer tissues in comparison to adjacent normal tissues, and it promotes cell growth and proliferation by inhibiting apoptosis through the p14ARF/p53 pathway. PIWIL4 can also promote the invasion of cervical cancer cells. These results suggest that PIWIL4 might play an oncogenic role in cervical cancer and be useful as a new therapeutic target in the future.

► We found that PIWIL4 is up-regulated in human cervical cancer tissues.
► PIWIL4 promotes cell growth and proliferation.
► PIWIL4 inhibits cell apoptosis through the p14ARF/p53 pathway.
► PIWIL4 can promote the invasion of cervical cancer cells.