HOXB5 promotes retinoblastoma cell migration and invasion via ERK1/2 pathway-mediated MMPs production

Homeobox genes (HOX genes) have been implicated in many tumors. As a member of HOX genes, HOXB5 is overexpressed in bladder cancer and contributes to the proliferation and invasion of breast cancer cells. However, functions of HOXB5 in retinoblastoma remain elusive. In this study, we found that HOXB5 expression is upregulated in retinoblastoma cell lines and tissues. Overexpression of HOXB5 promoted retinoblastoma cell migration and invasion, but knockdown of HOXB5 suppressed the migration and invasion. Moreover, HOXB5 induced the activation of ERK1/2 and upregulated the production of MMP-3 and MMP-13. In addition, ERK1/2 pathway was required for HOXB5-mediated retinoblastoma cell migration and invasion. Taken together, our study suggests that HOXB5 promotes the migration and invasion of retinoblastoma cells by inducing the activation of ERK1/2 and increasing the production of MMP-3 and MMP-13. Therefore, HOXB5 may represent an effective target for treatment of retinoblastoma.