PFKFB3 Regulates the Growth and Migration of Ovarian Cancer Cells through Pyroptosis and Warburg Effect Progression

Abstract

Ovarian cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in female reproductive organs. Its incidence rate is second only to uterine body cancer and cervical cancer, posing a serious threat to women's health. Herein, we explored that <i>PFKFB3</i> in cancer progression of ovarian cancer and its underlying mechanism. All the serum samples from ovarian cancer were collected by our hospital. <i>PFKFB3</i> mRNA expressions in patients with ovarian cancer and ovarian cancer cell lines were up-regulated. <i>PFKFB3</i> protein expressions in ovarian cancer cells were induced. ovarian cancer patients with high <i>PFKFB3</i>expression had lower survival rate. The <i>PFKFB3</i>gene promoted cell proliferation and EDU cells, and increased cell metastasis of ovarian cancer. Si-<i>PFKFB3</i> reduced cell proliferation and EDU cells, and decreased cell metastasis of ovarian cancer. <i>PFKFB3</i> gene up-regulation reduced caspase-3/9 activity levels of ovarian cancer. Si-<i>PFKFB3</i> also promoted caspase-3/9 activity levels of ovarian cancer. <i>PFKFB3</i> gene promoted Warburg effect progression of ovarian cancer. <i>PFKFB3</i> gene reduced NLRP3-induced pyroptosis of ovarian cancer. <i>PFKFB3</i> suppressed NLRP3 expression. NLRP3 was one target spot for <i>PFKFB3</i> on pyroptosis of ovarian cancer. Taken together, we conclude that <i>PFKFB3</i> suppressed NLRP3 axis to reduce pyroptosis and increase Warburg effect progression of ovarian cancer, and provide molecular insight into the mechanisms by which the <i>PFKFB3</i> regulates pyroptosis of ovarian cancer.