EFEMP2 is upregulated in gliomas and promotes glioma cell proliferation and invasion

Gliomas are the most common and aggressive form of primary brain tumor. Although EGF-containing fibulin-like extracellular matrix protein 2 (EFEMP2), an extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoprotein, is regarded as a candidate oncogene, little is known about the association of EFEMP2 and gliomas. Here, the expression of EFEMP2 was significantly increased in glioma tissues (n=60) compared to non-tumorous brain tissues (n=25). Silencing of EFEMP2 expression through RNA interference in two glioma cell lines (U87 and U373) remarkably inhibited cell proliferation and G1/S transition. More importantly, EFEMP2 silencing significantly induced cell apoptosis via increasing the ratio of Bax and Bcl-2. Additionally, knockdown of EFEMP2 significantly inhibited the invasive ability of both glioma cells, which was associated with the downregulated expression of metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9. In conclusion, expression of EFEMP2 was associated with the oncogenic potential of gliomas and silencing of its expression can suppress cancer cell growth and metastasis. Inhibition of EFEMP2 may be a therapeutic strategy for gliomas.