CaMKK2 Promotes the Progression of Ovarian Carcinoma through the PI3K/PDK1/Akt Axis

OBJECTIVE: To explore the functional role of Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase 2 (CaMKK2) in the progression of ovarian carcinoma (OC). METHODS: RT-qPCR analysis and western blot were conducted to detect the mRNA and protein expression of CaMKK2, PI3K, PDK1 and Akt in OC tissues and cells, respectively. CCK-8 assay, transwell migration assay and flow cytometry were used to measure cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis, respectively. RESULTS: CaMKK2, PI3K, PDK1 and Akt were highly expressed in OC tissues compared with the corresponding controls. CaMKK2 knockdown significantly suppressed the mRNA and protein expression of PI3K, PDK1 and Akt in HO8910 and OV90 cells. Moreover, CaMKK2 knockdown could dramatically repress cell proliferation, migration, and markedly elevate cell apoptosis in HO8910 and OV90 cells. CONCLUSIONS: CaMKK2 played a promotion role in OC progression via activating the PI3K/PDK1/Akt axis.