Figure 6.

sCLU enhances MMP-2 expression via AKT activation in HCC cells in vitro. (A and B) Bel-7402 or SMMC-7721 cells (control), or cells transfected with scramble shRNA or CLU4 shRNA vector, were cultured for 24 h. Levels of sCLU, AKT, and p-AKT were detected by western blotting. Levels of GAPDH served as a loading control. **P<0.01 vs. control. (C and D) Cells were treated with 5 µM MK-2206 for 24 h. Levels of p-Akt, Akt, and MMP-2 were detected by western blotting. Levels of GAPDH served as a loading control. **P<0.01. (E) Invasion assays were done for the HCC cells following treatment with 5 µM MK-2206 for 24 h (magnification, ×100). **P<0.01. Each experiment was performed in triplicate.