摘要Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the capacity of Artemin promoting the motility and invasiveness of MIA PaCa-2 pancreatic cancer (PAC) cells.Methods: The PAC cell line MIA PaCa-2 was cultured in vitro and studied using Transwell chamber analysis.The motility and invasiveness ability affected by different concentrations of Artemin and its receptor GFR(a)3 were determined.Expression level of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), epithelial cadherin (E-adherin) were quantitative analysis using RT-PCR and Western blot in MIA PaCa-2 cells stimulated with Artemin and receptor GFR(a)3.Results: MIA PaCa-2 PAC cell motility and invasiveness was significantly increased with Artemin and its receptor GFR(a)3 increasing concentrations than control (P < 0.01).150 ng/mL was the best of both the role of concentration.MMP-2 was increased significantly (t = 6.35, t = 7.32), while E-adherin was significantly lower (t = 4.27, t = 5.61), after affected by the 150 ng/mL Artemin and GFR(a)3,respectively.The difference was statistically significant compared with the control group (P < 0.01).Conclusion: Artemin and its receptor GFR(a)3 can promote PAC cell motility and invasiveness ability and contribute to the aggressive behavior.The mechanism may be related to increased expression of MMP-2 molecule and E-adherin downregulation expression.