IL-17RB enhances thyroid cancer cell invasion and metastasis via ERK1/2 pathway-mediated MMP-9 expression

IL-17RB, a member of the IL-17 Receptor family that can be activated by IL-17B, has been proved to be involved in inflammatory diseases and cancers. However, the function of IL-17RB in thyroid Cancer is still unknown. In this study, IL-17RB expression in thyroid Cancer cell lines and tissues was examined by Real-Time PCR and western blot. The effects of IL-17RB on cell invasion and migration were determined by in vitro invasion and migration assays, while the effects of IL-17RB on cell metastasis were analyzed by in vivo experiments. The results showed that IL-17RB expression was upregulated in both thyroid Cancer cells and tissues. IL-17B dose-dependently promoted the invasion, growth and migration of thyroid Cancer cells, whereas knockdown of IL-17RB attenuated the effects of IL-17B in vitro. Moreover, IL-17RB was involved in the metastasis and growth of thyroid Cancer cells in vivo. In addition, IL-17RB induced ERK1/2 activation and increased MMP-9 expression in vitro and in vivo. Inhibition of ERK1/2 pathway blocked the IL-17RB-mediated thyroid Cancer cell invasion and MMP-9 expression. Together, our findings demonstrate that IL-17RB can enhance thyroid Cancer cell invasion and metastasis via ERK1/2 pathway-mediated MMP-9 expression, suggesting that IL-17RB may act as a potential therapeutic target for thyroid Cancer therapy.