Abstract
Background: The Gas6/Axl-PI3K/Akt pathway is known as one of the most critical molecular signaling pathways involved in the regulation of key cellular processes. GAS6 has emerged as the perfect target for many malignancy treatments, but its role in thyroid cancer remains less described. This study aimed to evaluate both knockdown and overexpression effects of GAS6 on thyroid cancer cell proliferation, migration, and viability.Methods: Both RT-PCR and western blot analysis were performed to evaluate mRNA and protein expressions of GAS6; cell viability was assessed by MTT assay; then, TUNEL apoptosis, Transwell and migration assays were monitored to determine the effects of GAS6 knockdown or GAS6 overexpression on 850-5C and CAL62 thyroid cancer cells. Results: The mRNAs and protein expressions of GAS6 were the highest in CAL62 cancer cells. AXL/GAS6 knockdown through the application of siGAS6 and XL184, an AXL inhibitor, strongly diminished the proliferation and migration levels of CAL62 by inducing cell apoptosis. Meanwhile, overexpression of GAS6 produced the inversed effects, and the protein levels of PI3K, AKT, and p-AKT were significantly up and downregulated, accordingly. Conclusion: GAS6 inhibition promotes apoptosis and represses the proliferation of thyroid cancer cells by activating PI3K/AKT pathway; thus, provides a novel target for thyroid cancer therapy.