UDP-Glucose Ceramide Glycosyltransferase Contributes to the Proliferation and Glycolysis of Cervical Cancer Cells by Regulating the PI3K/AKT Pathway.

UDP-glucose ceramide glycosyltransferase (UGCG), a critical enzyme for the synthesis of glucosylceramide, is implicated in various cellular processes. Over-expressed UGCG in several cancer types has been shown to be related to pro-cancerous processes, including cell proliferation, invasion, and multidrug resistance. However, the role of UGCG in cervical cancer remains largely unknown. The expression levels of UGCG in cervical cancer tissues and cells were detected by Western blot and qRT-PCR. Colony formation and MTT assays were performed to assess cell proliferation and viability. Cellular glucose and lactate consumption and ATP production were investigated by commercial kits. UGCG was elevated in both the cervical cancer tissues and cells. siRNA-mediated down-regulation of UGCG repressed the cell proliferation of cervical cancer and reduced cell viability. Knockdown of UGCG suppressed the glycolytic activity of cervical cancer cells, with a decrease in cellular glucose consumption and lactate and ATP production. Moreover, the knockdown of UGCG sensitized cervical cancer cells to cisplatin. The protein expressions of PI3K and AKT phosphorylation were reduced in cervical cancer cells with silenced UGCG. The knockdown of UGCG exerted an anti-tumor effect against cervical cancer through the inactivation of the PI3K/AKT pathway.