Abstract: Objective To explore the effect of cytokeratin 19 on the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of thyroid cancer cells and the related mechanisms. Methods In this study, human thyroid cancer cells (B-CPAP) were used as the research object. MTT assay, wound healing assay and cell invasion assay were applied to investigate the effect of cytokeratin 19 on the cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis after the treatment of keratin 19 on B-CPAP. Western blotting was used to detect the related protein expressions to explore the underlying mechanisms. Results MTT assay showed that the proliferation rate of B-CPAP increased significantly with the increasing concentration of keratin 19 treatment. Transwell assay and wound healing assay results showed that keratin 19 can promote the migration ability of B-CPAP in a dose-dependent manner significantly. In addition, PTEN and MAPK pathways may play roles in that process. Conclusion Cytokeratin 19 can significantly increase the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of B-CPAP, and this effect of keratin 19 is related to PTEN and MAPK pathways.

Key words: cytokeratin 19, thyroid neoplasms, proliferation, invasion, metastasis