GATA2 enhances malignant biological behaviors of cervical cancer cells by promoting activation of FAK/STAT3 signaling pathway

doi:10.13418/j.issn.1001-165x.2026.5.09

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Chinese Journal of Clinical Anatomy ›› 2026, Vol. 44 ›› Issue (5) : 559-564. DOI: 10.13418/j.issn.1001-165x.2026.5.09

GATA2 enhances malignant biological behaviors of cervical cancer cells by promoting activation of FAK/STAT3 signaling pathway

Chen Xianying^1,2, Wang Ruohan ², Xia Yu², Wang Yongjun^1,2*

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Abstract

Objective To investigate the effects of GATA2 on the malignant behaviors of cervical cancer cells and activation of the FAK/STAT3 signaling pathway. Methods GATA2 expression in cervical cancer cell lines (HeLa, CaSki) and normal cervical epithelial HUCEC cells was examined by qRT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. Small interfering RNA targeting GATA2 (si-GATA2) and its negative control (si-NC) were transfected into HeLa and CaSki cells to knock down GATA2, and the knockdown efficiency was verified by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The effects of GATA2 knockdown on the expression of FAK/STAT3 pathway-related proteins (p-FAK, FAK, p-STAT3, STAT3) were assessed by Western blot. HeLa and CaSki cells were divided into 3 groups: si-NC (control), si-GATA2, and si-GATA2+ZINC40099027 (FAK activator). Colony formation assay was used to evaluate cell proliferation, flow cytometry to detect apoptosis rate, and Transwell assay to measure cell migration and invasion. Results Compared with HUCEC cells, the mRNA and protein expression levels of GATA2 were significantly elevated in HeLa and CaSki cells. Following transfection with si-GATA2, GATA2 mRNA and protein levels were markedly reduced in both HeLa and CaSki cells. Knockdown of GATA2 significantly decreased the expression levels of p-FAK and p-STAT3 proteins, but had no significant effect on total FAK and STAT3 protein levels. Functional assays revealed that GATA2 knockdown significantly inhibited colony formation, induced apoptosis, and suppressed the migration and invasion of HeLa and CaSki cells. However, these tumor-suppressive effects mediated by GATA2 knockdown were partially reversed upon the addition of the FAK activator ZINC40099027. Conclusions GATA2 expression is significantly elevated in cervical cancer cells and may enhance tumor cell proliferation, migration and invasion while inhibiting apoptosis by promoting activation of the FAK/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Key words

GATA2 / / / Cervical cancer / / / FAK/STAT3 signaling pathway / / / Migration / / / Invasion

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Chen Xianying, Wang Ruohan, Xia Yu, Wang Yongjun. GATA2 enhances malignant biological behaviors of cervical cancer cells by promoting activation of FAK/STAT3 signaling pathway[J]. Chinese Journal of Clinical Anatomy. 2026, 44(5): 559-564 https://doi.org/10.13418/j.issn.1001-165x.2026.5.09

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