Apolipoprotein E2 Promotes the Migration and Invasion of Pancreatic Cancer Cells via Activation of the ERK1/2 Signaling Pathway

BACKGROUND: Apolipoprotein E2 (ApoE2) is reported to be essential for cell metastasis and proliferation and has been considered a potential diagnostic marker in many cancers. However, the function of ApoE2 in the metastasis of pancreatic cancer, as well as the underlying mechanism, remain unclear. PURPOSE: In this study, we explored the effect of ApoE2 on the migration and invasion abilities of pancreatic cancer cells and explored the underlying molecular mechanism. METHODS AND RESULTS: Wound healing and Matrigel Transwell assays were used to investigate the role of ApoE2 in cell migration and invasion. Western blotting analysis showed that ApoE2 was overexpressed in pancreatic cancer tissues. Additionally, the overexpression of ApoE2 promoted the process of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and enhanced the expression of MMP-2/9 in pancreatic cancer cells. Mechanistically, we found that inhibition of ERK1/2 signaling with PD98059 impaired the ApoE2-mediated promotion of cell migration, invasion and EMT. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that ApoE2/ERK1/2 signaling promoted the migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells. ApoE2 might be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of pancreatic cancer metastasis.