O-6-methylguanine-DNA Methyltransferase Inhibits Gastric Carcinoma Cell Migration and Invasion by Downregulation of Matrix Metalloproteinase 2.

MGMT plays a key role in many kinds of cancers. However, the molecular mechanisms of MGMT involvement in gastric cancer (GC) are poorly elucidated. Here, we investigated the role of MGMT in GC cell migration, invasion and metastatic potential. Our data showed that MGMT expression was negatively correlated with lymph node metastasis and late TNM stages. These findings were accompanied by downregulation of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2). Loss of MGMT expression induced increases in GC cell metastasis and invasion potential in vitro and in vivo. These effects were reversed by inhibition of MGMT and MMP2. MGMT overexpression downregulated MMP2 protein levels, whereas this effect was counteracted by MGMT siRNA. In summary, MGMT is involved in gastric carcinogenesis via downregulation of MMP2. The MGMT/MMP2 pathway plays an essential role in GC metastasis and may be a potential therapeutic target for GC treatment.