Aquaporin 5 promotes the proliferation and migration of human gastric carcinoma cells

Aquaporin 5 (AQP5) promotes the progression and invasion of several cancers, but its role in the tumorigenesis of human gastric carcinoma (GC) has not been clearly defined. Here, we investigated the potential functions of AQP5 in the proliferation and migration of human GC. RT-PCR and western blotting were used to detect the expression of AQP5 in human GC cell lines. Immunohistochemistry was applied to evaluate the expression of AQP5 in human GC tissues and corresponding normal tissues. Following ectopic overexpression of AQP5 or inhibition of AQP5 by its inhibitor, acetazolamide (AZA), cell proliferation and migration of AGS cells were analyzed by MTT assay, colony formation assay, and wound healing assay. Heterogeneous expression of AQP5 mRNA and protein was observed in human GC cell lines MKN45, MKN28, AGS, and SGC7901. AQP5 was up-regulated in GC tissues in comparison to corresponding normal tissues. AQP5 protein was mainly localized in the cell membrane. Overexpression of AQP5 was correlated with enhanced lymph node metastasis. In vitro, overexpression of AQP5 notably enhanced, while inhibition of AQP5 by AZA significantly attenuated the proliferation and migration of AGS cells. Our data indicate that AQP5 may play an important role in the tumorigenesis and progression of human GC and suggest that AQP5 is a potential therapeutic target against GC.