Effect of LGR4/EGFR signaling on cell growth and cancer stem cell-like characteristics in liver cancer

Purpose: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer. Leucine-rich repeat containing G-protein-coupled receptors 4 (LGR4) participates in tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis. Our study aimed to investigate the effect of LGR4 with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in HCC cells. Methods: We employed Hep3B and Huh7 cells to conduct our research. Comprehensive biological activities were characterized by CCK8 and transwell assay. Molecular biology techniques were used to determine the expression of proteins. Hep3B was employed to conduct subcutaneous tumor in mice. The tumor growth and the expression levels of proteins were assessed. Results: LGR4 overexpression could promote the cells proliferation, migration, and invasion ability, while siLGR4 and siEGFR could inhibit cells biological activities. In addition, LGR4 overexpression promoted the expression levels of RSPO2, 8-catenin, EGFR and cancer stem cells (CSCs) markers, whereas silence of LGR4 or EGFR could diminish the expression levels of 8-catenin and CSCs markers. Furthermore, knockdown of LGR4 or EGFR also inhibited tumor growth and reduced the expression levels of RSPO2, CD133, CD44, Nanog, 8-catenin in vivo. Conclusion: Our data suggest that LGR4 /EGFR signaling in HCC leads to induce tumor growth, which then contributes to stem cell characteristics. It maybe a new perspective for the targeted therapy of HCC treatment.

Automated summary

The study aimed to investigate the effect of LGR4 with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. It was found that overexpression of LGR4 promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while knockdown of LGR4 or EGFR inhibited these biological activities. In addition, LGR4 overexpression promoted the expression of RSPO2, β-catenin, EGFR, and cancer stem cells (CSCs) markers, while silencing LGR4 or EGFR reduced the expression levels of β-catenin and CSCs markers. Knockdown of LGR4 or EGFR also inhibited tumor growth and reduced the expression levels of RSPO2, CD133, CD44, Nanog, and β-catenin in vivo. The findings suggest that the LGR4/EGFR signaling pathway plays a role in HCC tumor growth and stem cell characteristics, providing a potential target for HCC treatment.