The Role of Apelin and Apelin Receptor Expression in Migration and Invasiveness of Colon Cancer Cells

Background/Aim: Colon cancer is the second deadliest malignancy for human. Its correlation with obesity has led to an increasing number of studies focusing on role adipokines in colon development. Apelin, which belongs family adipokines, affects several pathological processes, including heart diseases, and carcinogenesis. In this study, we examined importance apelin receptor (APJ) during motility regulation cells. Materials Methods: cells overexpression receptor, as well down-regulation were used study. Migration invasion ability was tested using Transwell® filters. The proteolytic activity analyzed fluorescent-substrate degradation assay gelatin zymography. We also confocal microscopy examine migratory protrusion formation localization MT1-MMP. levels AKT ERK kinases evaluated Western blotting assay. Results: Overexpression APJ resulted increased migration abilities through stimulation activity. These processes mediated by PI3K/AKT MAPK signaling pathways. Opposite effect obtained when level down-regulated. Conclusion: its strictly connected Therefore, apelinergic system seems be a promising target anti-cancer therapy.