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Updated: Jul 20, 2026
Generation and Genetic Manipulation of Human Cervical Organoids
Published on: March 10, 2026
SDF-1 alone and in co-operation with HGF regulates biology of human cervical carcinoma cells
Marcin Majka1, Justyna Drukala, Ewa Lesko
1Department of Transplantation, Polish-American Institute of Pediatrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland. mmajka@cm-uj.krakow.pl
Abstract:
Stromal Derived Factor-1 (SDF-1)-CXCR4 axis plays a pivotal role in biology and metastasis of several tumors. The aim of this study was to see if SDF-1 alone or in combination with Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) affects biology of human cervical carcinoma (HCC) cells. We found that HCC cell lines investigated in our study highly express CXCR4 on their surface. CXCR4 was also expressed on tumor cells in tissue sections derived from cervical cancer patients. At the same time normal cervical epithelium was negative for CXCR4 expression what suggests a strong correlation between CXCR4 and malignant cell phenotype. Subsequently, we studied a potential role of the SDF-1-CXCR4 axis in HCC and noticed that SDF-1 (i) chemoattracted HCC cells, (ii) enhanced their scattering, (iii) stimulated nuclear localization of beta-catenins and upregulated their target gene cyclin D1 and (iv) at the molecular level induced calcium flux and activated RAS-MAPK, PI3-AKT and JAK-STAT pathways. SDF-1-mediated functions were additionally enhanced in the presence of HGF. Thus, our data show that the SDF-1-CXCR4 axis affects biology of HCC cells. Furthermore, we postulate that this axis might become a potential target to prevent progression of cervical cancer.
Insights
The Stromal Derived Factor-1 (SDF-1)-CXCR4 axis promotes human cervical carcinoma (HCC) cell growth, migration, and survival. Targeting this axis, potentially with Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF), may offer new strategies for cervical cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The Stromal Derived Factor-1 (SDF-1) and its receptor CXCR4 axis are implicated in the biology and metastasis of various cancers.
- Understanding the role of the SDF-1-CXCR4 axis in human cervical carcinoma (HCC) is crucial for developing targeted therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of SDF-1, alone and in combination with Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF), on the biological behavior of human cervical carcinoma (HCC) cells.
- To determine the expression levels of CXCR4 in HCC cell lines and patient-derived tissues.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of CXCR4 expression in HCC cell lines and cervical cancer patient tissue sections using immunohistochemistry.
- Assessment of SDF-1-induced chemoattraction, scattering, and nuclear beta-catenin localization in HCC cells.
- Molecular analysis of SDF-1 signaling pathways, including calcium flux, RAS-MAPK, PI3-AKT, and JAK-STAT activation.
- Evaluation of SDF-1 and HGF combined effects on HCC cell biology.
Main Results:
- HCC cell lines and cervical cancer tissues exhibited high surface expression of CXCR4, unlike normal cervical epithelium, suggesting a link to malignancy.
- SDF-1 significantly chemoattracted HCC cells, enhanced their scattering, promoted nuclear beta-catenin localization, and upregulated cyclin D1.
- SDF-1 activated key signaling pathways: calcium flux, RAS-MAPK, PI3-AKT, and JAK-STAT.
- The presence of HGF potentiated SDF-1-mediated effects on HCC cells.
Conclusions:
- The SDF-1-CXCR4 axis plays a significant role in regulating the biology of human cervical carcinoma cells.
- This axis influences HCC cell migration, proliferation, and survival through multiple signaling pathways.
- The SDF-1-CXCR4 axis represents a promising therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer progression.
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