Prostaglandin E(2) stimulates β1-integrin expression in hepatocellular carcinoma through the EP1 receptor/PKC/NF-κB pathway

Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) has been implicated in cell invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), via increased β1-integrin expression and cell migration; however, the mechanism remains unclear. PGE(2) exerts its effects via four subtypes of the E prostanoid receptor (EP receptor 1–4). The present study investigated the effect of EP1 receptor activation on β1-integrin expression and cell migration in HCC. Cell migration increased by 60% in cells treated with 17-PT-PGE(2) (EP1 agonist), which was suppressed by pretreatment with a β1-integrin polyclonal antibody. PGE(2) increased β1-integrin expression by approximately 2-fold. EP1 receptor transfection or treatment with 17-PT-PGE(2) mimicked the effect of PGE(2) treatment. EP1 siRNA blocked PGE(2)-mediated β1-integrin expression. 17-PT-PGE(2) treatment induced PKC and NF-κB activation; PKC and NF-κB inhibitors suppressed 17-PT-PGE(2)-mediated β1-integrin expression. FoxC2, a β1-integrin transcription factor, was also upregulated by 17-PT-PGE(2). NF-κB inhibitor suppressed 17-PT-PGE(2)-mediated FoxC2 upregulation. Immunohistochemistry showed p65, FoxC2, EP1 receptor and β1-integrin were all highly expressed in the HCC cases. This study suggested that PGE(2) upregulates β1-integrin expression and cell migration in HCC cells by activating the PKC/NF-κB signaling pathway. Targeting PGE(2)/EP1/PKC/NF-κB/FoxC2/β1-integrin pathway may represent a new therapeutic strategy for the prevention and treatment of this cancer.