CD147 silencing inhibits lactate transport and reduces malignant potential of pancreatic cancer cells in in-vivo and in-vitro models

CD147 (Basigin, EMMPRIN) is a multifunctional, highly conserved glycoprotein enriched in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC). CD147 expression has been associated to poor prognosis in many malignancies. To clarify the role of CD147 in pancreatic cancer we silenced CD147 in PDAC cells. Interestingly, CD147 RNAi significantly reduced the cell proliferation rate. CD147 is required for expression and function of monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) and monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4) which are the natural transporters of lactate. Excessive lactate production is an early hallmark of cancer known as the Warb…