PKM2 enhanced the activities of EGF/EGFR downstream signaling pathways in AGS cells and was correlated with ERK activity in gastric cancer specimens.

<p>(A) AGS stable cells were exposed to EGF (100 ng/ml) for different times. Western blots of cell lysates were performed. The phospho-EGFR (Tyr1068), phospho-PLCγ1 (Tyr783), phospho-Gab1 (Tyr627), phosphor-c-cbl (Tyr700), and phospho-ERK1/2 (Thr202/Tyr204) protein levels are shown as indicated. (B) MMP7 expression levels were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR in AGS stable cells. The data are expressed as the mean ± SD from three independent experiments (*p<0.05). (C) IHC staining with the indicated antibodies was performed on 15 human gastric cancer specimens. Representative photos of the tumor, which were taken in the same part of the same piece of tissue, are shown. (D) The correlation analysis among PKM2, E-cadherin and P-ERK1/2 was completed using the Image-pro Plus software. The mean density (IOD/area) was detected in different positive areas of 15 human gastric cancer specimens. The correlation analysis between PKM2 and E-cadherin was determined in an E-cadherin positive area. The correlation analysis between PKM2 and p-ERK1/2 was determined in an E-cadherin negative area.