MUC16 facilitates cervical cancer progression via JAK2/STAT3 phosphorylation-mediated cyclooxygenase-2 expression.

Objectives: MUC16 (mucin 16, also known as CA-125, cancer antigen 125, carcinoma antigen 125, or carbohydrate antigen 125) has been predicted as tumor biomarker for therapy. We determined to investigate effects and regulatory mechanism of MUC16 on cervical tumorigenesis. Methods: Expression levels of MUC16 in cervical cancer cell lines was analyzed via qRT-PCR (quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction). Knockdown of MUC16 was conducted via shRNA (Short hairpin RNA) transfection. MTT and colony formation assays were used to investigate effect of MUC16 on cell proliferation. Wound healing assay was utilized to detect migration and transwell assay to detect invasion. The underlying mechanism was demonstrated via western blot analysis. Results: MUC16 was elevated in cervical cancer cell lines. MUC16 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation, invasion and migration. Gain- and loss-of functional assays revealed that over-expression of MUC16 activated Janus Kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) via phosphorylation, thus facilitating cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression, while knockdown of MUC16 demonstrated the reverse effect on JAK2/STAT3 activation and COX-2 expression. Moreover, inhibition of JAK2/STAT3 attenuated the regulation of MUC16 on COX-2. Conclusions: MUC16 enhanced proliferation and invasion of cervical cancer cells via JAK2/STAT3 phosphorylation-mediated cyclooxygenase-2 expression, suggesting the potential therapeutic target ability of MUC16 to treat cervical cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]