CKAP2 promotes cervical cancer progression by modulating the tumor microenvironment via NF-κB signaling

This study aimed to investigate whether CKAP2 could promote cervical cancer (CC) progression by modulating the tumor microenvironment (TME) via NF-κB signaling. The communication between cervical cancer cells and the TME, including THP-1 and HUVECs, was tested. Gain- and loss-of-function assays were performed to elucidate the role of CKAP2 in cervical cancer progression. Western blot analysis was exploited to investigate the potential involved mechanism involved. Here, we reported that cervical cancer tissues were enriched with macrophages and microvessels. CKAP2 increased the tumor-promoting macrophage population. The overexpression of CKAP2 not only promoted endothelial cell viability and tube formation but also increased vascular permeability, and vice versa. Moreover, CKAP2 promoted cervical cancer progression via NF-κB signaling. This effect could be blocked by the NF-κB signaling inhibitor JSH-23. Our findings indicated that CKAP2 could promote cervical cancer progression by modulating the TME via NF-κB signaling.