Co-expression of DDR2 and IFITM1 promotes breast cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion and inhibits apoptosis

PurposeTo investigate the roles of DDR2 and IFITM1 in breast cancer (BC).MethodsThe expression of DDR2 and IFITM1 in BC tissues and cell lines was measured. DDR2 and/or IFITM1 were knocked down in BT20 and MDA-MB-231 cells, after which the viability, mobility and apoptosis of the cells were tested. Xenograft mouse models were established through subcutaneous tumor transplantation.ResultsDDR2 and IFITM1 were highly expressed in invasive BC tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of DDR2 and/or IFITM1 was associated with poorer clinical outcomes and patient survival. Knockdown of DDR2 or IFITM1 suppressed the viability and invasiveness of BT20 and MDA-MB-231 cells and restrained the growth of xenograft tumors in nude mice. Simultaneous knockdown of IFITM1 and DDR2 surpassed knockdown of IFITM1 alone in suppressing BC development.ConclusionsDDR2 and IFITM1 are co-expressed to facilitate the malignant behaviors of BC cells and promote the development of tumors.