Fluid shear stress induces cell migration and invasion via activating autophagy in HepG2 cells

Cell Adh Migr. 2019 Dec;13(1):152-163. doi: 10.1080/19336918.2019.1568141. Epub 2019 Jan 31.

Abstract

Fluid shear stress (FSS) regulates the metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In the present study, we aimed to study the role of autophagy in HCC cells under FSS. The results showed that FSS upregulated the protein markers of autophagy, induced LC3B aggregation and formation of autophagosomes. Inhibition of integrin by Cliengitide (Cli) or inhibition of the microfilaments formation both inhibited the activation of autophagy in HepG2 under FSS. In addition, Cli inhibited the microfilaments formation and expressions of Rac1 and RhoA in HepG2 cells under FSS. Finally, inhibition of autophagy suppressed the cell migration and invasion in HepG2 under FSS. In conclusion, FSS induced autophagy to promote migration and invasion of HepG2 cells via integrin/cytoskeleton pathways.

Keywords: Fluid shear stress; autophagy; cytoskeleton; integrin; metastasis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis
  • Autophagy*
  • Autophagy-Related Protein 5 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Autophagy-Related Protein 5 / genetics
  • Autophagy-Related Protein 5 / metabolism
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / metabolism
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / pathology*
  • Cell Adhesion
  • Cell Movement*
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cytoskeleton / metabolism
  • Hep G2 Cells
  • Humans
  • Integrins / metabolism
  • Liver Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Liver Neoplasms / pathology*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics
  • Stress, Mechanical*

Substances

  • ATG5 protein, human
  • Autophagy-Related Protein 5
  • Integrins
  • RNA, Small Interfering

Grants and funding

This study was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 31670960).