Growth factor progranulin contributes to cervical cancer cell proliferation and transformation in vivo and in vitro

• Progranulin (PGRN) is overexpressed in cervical cancer cells and tissue.
• PGRN contributes to cervical cancer tumorigenesis in vitro and in vivo.
• Akt and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) signaling mediates PGRN-stimulated cell proliferation and transformation.

ObjectiveThe growth factor progranulin (PGRN) is overexpressed in a number of tumors. We aimed to investigate the expression and role of PGRN in cervical cancer tumorigenesis.MethodsPGRN expression and secretion was assessed in cells and normal and cancerous cervical tissues by Western blot analysis, ELISA or immunohistochemistry. The role of PGRN in cervical carcinogenesis was explored by cell-proliferation, colony-formation and tumor-growth assays. We assessed the role of PGRN-mediated signaling in the cervical cell with specific inhibitors.ResultsPGRN expression was upregulated in cervical cancer cell lines and tissue. PGRN promoted the transformation of human cervical mucosa epithelial H8 cells in vitro and tumor formation in vivo. Knockdown of PGRN expression in cervical cancer cells in vivo decreased cell proliferation and slowed tumor growth. PGRN stimulated cervical cell proliferation, and transformation was mediated, at least in part, by Akt and Erk signaling.ConclusionsPGRN is overexpressed in cervical cancer and promotes the malignant growth and transformation of cervical cells. Therefore, PGRN plays a critical role in carcinogenesis of cervical cancer and shows promise for therapeutic strategies for cervical cancer.