Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor -1α stimulates cervical cancer cells to migrate and invade through regulating pyruvate kinase L/R

This study was aimed to analyze the role of hepatocyte nuclear factor -1α (HNF-1α) in regulating migrative and invasive potentials in cervical cancer via the involvement of pyruvate kinase L/R (PKLR). The expression of HNF-1α and PKLR in cervical cancer tissues classified by tumor size and FIGO (Federation International of Gynecology and Obstetrics) stage were detected by qRT-PCR. The expression correlation between HNF-1α and PKLR in cervical cancer tissues was analyzed by Pearson correlation test. After intervening HNF-1α and PKLR levels in SiHa and Hela cells, their migratory and invasive abilities were examined by the Transwell assay. HNF-1α was upregulated in cervical cancer tissues, particularly those with large tumor size or advanced FIGO stage. PKLR was highly expressed in cervical cancer tissues as well, presenting a positive correlation with the HNF-1α level. Knockdown of HNF-1α attenuated migratory and invasive abilities in SiHa cells, whereas overexpression of HNF-1α enhanced migratory and invasive abilities in SiHa cells. PKLR was able to abolish the regulatory effects of HNF-1α on cervical cancer metastasis. HNF-1α and PKLR synergistically promote cervical cancer to migrate and invade.