The mir-423-5p/mmp-2 axis regulates the nerve growth factor-induced promotion of chondrosarcoma metastasis

Abstract

A chondrosarcoma is a common tumor of the soft tissue and bone that has a high propen-sity to metastasize to distant organs. Nerve growth factor (NGF) is capable of promoting the progression and metastasis of several different types of tumors although the effects of NGF in a chon-drosarcoma are not confirmed. Here, we found that the levels of NGF and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) correlated with the tumor stage in patients with a chondrosarcoma. NGF facilitated the MMP-2-dependent cellular migration in human chondrosarcoma JJ012 cells while the overexpres-sion of NGF enhanced the lung metastasis in a mouse model of a chondrosarcoma. NGF promoted the MMP-2 synthesis and cell migration by inhibiting miR-423-5p expression through the FAK and c-Src signaling cascades. NGF appears to be a worthwhile therapeutic target in the treatment of a metastatic chondrosarcoma.