HK2 contributes to the proliferation, migration, and invasion of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cells by enhancing the ERK1/2 signaling pathway

Hexokinase 2 (HK2) has been associated with carcinogenic growth in numerous kinds of malignancies as essential regulators during the processing of glucose. This study aimed to explore the effects of HK2 on diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) cells via the ERK1/2 signaling. Expressions of HK2 and ERK1/2 were examined in DLBCL cell lines using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. HK2 and ERK1/2 were attenuated through HK2 small-interfering RNA (siRNA) and ERK inhibitor FR180204, respectively, in U2932 and SU-DHL-4 cells. Cell Counting Kit-8, clone formation, transwell, and flow cytometry assays were used in evaluating the effects of HK2 and ERK1/2 on cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. Moreover, a xenograft model was created to assess the roles of HK2 in vivo. HK2 and ERK1/2 were evidently up-regulated in DLBCL cell lines. HK2 knockdown and FR180204 markedly suppressed the proliferation and clonogenesis of U2932 and SU-DHL-4 cells and promoted cell apoptosis in vitro. We also found that HK2 silencing suppressed tumor growth in vivo. Notably, HK2 knockdown inactivated the ERK1/2 signaling pathway both in vitro and in vivo. These data indicate that inhibition of HK2 may suppress the proliferation, migration, and invasion of DLBCL cells, partly via inhibiting the ERK1/2 signaling pathway.