KCNJ2/HIF1α positive-feedback loop promotes the metastasis of osteosarcoma

Background Early metastasis is a hallmark of osteosarcoma (OS), a highly common type of malignant tumor. Members of the potassium inwardly rectifying channel family exert oncogenic effects in various cancers. However, the role of the potassium inwardly rectifying channel subfamily J member 2 (KCNJ2) in OS is unclear. Methods The expression of KCNJ2 in OS tissues and cell lines was measured using bioinformatic analysis, immunohistochemistry, and western blotting. Wound-healing assays, Transwell assays, and lung metastasis models were used to analyze the effects of KCNJ2 on mobility of OS cells. The molecular mechanisms linking KCNJ2 and HIF1 alpha in OS were explored by mass spectrometry analysis, immunoprecipitation, ubiquitination detection, and chromatin-immunoprecipitation quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results KCNJ2 was found to be overexpressed in advanced-stage OS tissues, as well as in cells with high metastatic potential. High expression of KCNJ2 was associated with a shorter survival rate of OS patients. KCNJ2-inhibition repressed the metastasis of OS cells, whereas KCNJ2-elevation induced the opposite effects. Mechanistically, KCNJ2 binds to HIF1 alpha and inhibits its ubiquitination, thus increasing the expression of HIF1 alpha. Interestingly, HIF1 alpha binds directly to the KCNJ2 promoter and increases its transcription under hypoxic conditions. Conclusion Taken together, our results indicated that a KCNJ2/HIF1 alpha positive feedback loop exists in OS tissues, which significantly promotes OS cell metastasis. This evidence may contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of OS.