EGF-induced expression of Fused Toes Homolog (FTS) facilitates epithelial–mesenchymal transition and promotes cell migration in ME180 cervical cancer cells

•EGF induces EMT and cell migration in ME180 cervical cancer cells.•EGF induces expression of FTS through EGFR, ERK and ATF-2.•FTS silencing reduces EGF-induced EMT and cell migration.

The role of Fused Toes Homolog (FTS) in epidermal growth factor (EGF) induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cervical cancer cells was studied. EGF treatment induced the change of EMT markers and increased cell migration. EGF treatment also increased phosphorylated EGFR and ERK and nuclear level of ATF-2. The binding of ATF-2 to the promoter region of FTS was evidenced after EGF treatment. Pretreatment with PD98059 and gefitinib prevented EGF-induced FTS expression. FTS silencing reduced EMT and cell migration by EGF treatment. These results demonstrate a novel function for FTS in EGF-mediated EMT process.