EMP2 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma proliferation and invasion by activating cellular autophagy

Background: EMP2 is a tumor-associated membrane protein belonging to the GAS-3/PMP22 gene family. EMP2 expression demonstrates significant tissue specificity and heterogeneity in various human tissues and tumor tissues, where it may play a role in either promoting or inhibiting tumor growth. This study aimed to investigate the expression level, biological functions, and molecular mechanisms of EMP2 in liver Cancer.

Methods: we analyzed the mRNA expression levels of EMPs family genes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and normal liver tissues based on the TCGA database and immunohistochemical analysis of tissue microarrays. Subsequently, we constructed HCC cell lines with either knockdown or overexpression of EMP2 to examine the biological functions and molecular mechanisms of EMP2 in tumorigenesis in vivo and in vitro.

Results: Bioinformatic and immunohistochemical analysis of tissue microarrays have confirmed the significant upregulation of EMP2 in HCC tissues. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that downregulation of EMP2 results in a moderate reduction in the proliferation and invasive capacity of HCC cells. Conversely, overexpression of EMP2 enhances the invasive capacity of HCC cells and induces Autophagy. Initial investigations into the molecular mechanisms underlying EMP2-mediated enhancement of HCC cell invasion have revealed the dual regulation of EMP2-induced Autophagy and the Integrin pathway, which synergistically influence the invasive and metastatic potential of HCC cells.

Conclusion: EMP2 holds promise as a diagnostic marker for HCC metastasis and a potential target for targeted therapy.

Autophagy; Epithelial membrane protein 2; Hepatocellular carcinoma; Integrin pathway.