Silencing of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 suppresses colorectal cancer progression and liver metastasis

Background Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is reported to be expressed in many cancer cell types and regarded as one of the most informative biochemical markers for poor prognosis. However, no previous study has evaluated whether PAI-1 could serve as a target in antitumor and antimetastasis therapies of colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods The plasma level of PAI-1 in CRC patients was detected and its correlation with the clinicopathologic features was evaluated. PAI-1 protein expression was assessed by Western blot assay and immunohistochemistry. The biologic consequences of PAI-1 silencing in colon cancer cell lines and CRC bearing nude mice were also investigated. Results Plasma PAI-1 level was higher in CRC patients with liver metastasis and correlated with liver metastasis, tumor size, differentiation, serosa infiltration, Duke’s stage, and lymphatic metastasis. PAI-1 protein expression in the CRC tissue of patients with liver metastasis was significantly greater than that in those without liver metastasis. In addition, the abilities of proliferation, invasion, and migration of CRC cells transfected with lentivirus expressing PAI-1 small interfering RNA were reduced significantly. Nude mice inoculated with PAI-1 knockdown cells also had fewer metastatic nodules in the liver and smaller tumor volumes. Conclusion Plasma PAI-1 level was increased in CRC patients with liver metastasis, and PAI-1 silencing may significantly compromise the malignant behaviors of CRC cells in vitro and in vivo. These findings may provide evidence for PAI-1 targeted therapy of CRC.