Knockdown of TMPRSS3, a Transmembrane Serine Protease, Inhibits Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion in Human Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells

TMPRSS3 belongs to the large type II transmembrane serine protease (TTSP) family, which plays an important role in the development and progression of tumors. However, the function of TMPRSS3 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remains unclear. The present study aimed to examine the impact of TMPRSS3 on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of NPC cells and their potential mechanisms. Our results demonstrated that the expression of TMPRSS3 was obviously upregulated in human NPC tissues and cell lines. Knockdown of TMPRSS3 expression significantly suppressed the proliferation and tumorigenicity of NPC cells in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, knockdown of TMPRSS3 inhibited migration and invasion, as well as prevented the EMT process in NPC cells. Finally, knockdown of TMPRSS3 attenuated activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in NPC cells. Taken together, the present study demonstrates that the knockdown of TMPRSS3 inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion in human NPC cells through the inactivation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. This study suggests that TMPRSS3 may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of NPC.