Induction of Mac-2BP by nerve growth factor is regulated by the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB-dependent pathway in the HEK293 cell line

Mac-2BP is a ligand of the galectin family that has been suggested to affect tumor proliferation and metastasis formation. We assessed Mac-2BP expression at the transcriptional and translational levels to evaluate nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced Mac-2BP expression. A time kinetic analysis using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction showed that NGF-induced Mac-2BP transcript levels were 4-5 times higher than in controls. Mac-2BP enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunofluorescence staining showed a 2-3-fold increase in intracellular and secreted Mac-2BP as a result of NGF stimulation. This increase was regulated by Akt activation and NF-κB binding. p65 and p50-NF-κB are major transcriptional factors in the Mac-2BP promoter region, and were shown to be regulated in accordance with the Akt activation states. Collectively, these results suggest that NGF induces Mac-2BP expression via the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathway.