Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II regulates colon cancer proliferation and migration via ERK1/2 and p38 pathways

AIM To investigate the role of calmodulin-dependent protein kinase. (CaMK.) in colon cancer growth, migration and invasion. METHODS CaMK. expression in colon cancer and paracancerous tissues was evaluated via immunochemistry. Transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels of CaMK. in tissue samples and MMP2, MMP9 and TIMP-1 expression in the human colon cancer cell line HCT116 were assessed by qRT-PCR and western blot. Cell proliferation was detected with the MTT assay. Cancer cell migration and invasion were investigated with the Transwell culture system and woundhealing assay. RESULTS We first demonstrated that CaMK. was over-expressed in human colon cancers and was associated with cancer differentiation. In the human colon cancer cell line HCT116, the CaMKII-specific inhibitor KN93, but not its inactive analogue KN92, decreased cancer cell proliferation. Furthermore, KN93 also significantly prohibited HCT116 cell migration and invasion. The specific inhibition of ERK1/2 or p38 decreased the proliferation and migration of colon cancer cells. CONCLUSION Our findings highlight CaMK. as a potential critical mediator in human colon tumor development and metastasis.