CCL28 promotes progression of hepatocellular carcinoma through PDGFD-regulated MMP9 and VEGFA pathways

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a major global health concern with limited therapeutic options and poor prognosis. Chemokines have emerged as critical regulators in the progression and metastasis of HCC. This study aims to investigate the mechanisms involved in CCL28-promoted progression of HCC and provide novel therapeutic targets for HCC treatment. Relationship between CCL28 expression and HCC progression were investigated by bioinformatic analysis and immunohistochemical staining assays. CCK-8, Transwell, and colony formation assay were conducted to explore the impact of CCL28 on the growth, migration and invasion of HCC cells. Quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting assays were performed to learn potential molecular mechanisms underlying the transformation of HCC driven by CCL28. The results showed that there was a direct link between increased CCL28 levels and the advancement of HCC, leading to a worse outcome. CCL28 significantly augmented malignant transformation of HCC cells, containing proliferation, migration, invasion, and clonogenicity, via activation of PDGFD-regulated MMP9 and VEGFA pathways. CCL28 emerges as a pivotal contributor to HCC tumorigenesis, propelling HCC development through the PDGFD signaling pathway. Our findings unveil potential therapeutic targets for HCC treatment.