CD147 augmented monocarboxylate transporter-1/4 expression through modulation of the Akt-FoxO3-NF-κB pathway promotes cholangiocarcinoma migration and invasion

Purpose Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an aggressive type of cancer. The major obstacles for treatment are its late presentation and the occurrence metastases. Targeting the metastatic process may serve as a treatment option. CD147 is a membrane protein that promotes CCA metastasis. High lactate levels in CCA are predicted to result from lactate dehydrogenase A expression and sensitivity to monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) inhibitors. An involvement of CD147 in MCT maturation has been reported, but the exact role of MCT in CCA is not clear. Here, we aimed to assess the mechanism of CD147-promoted CCA progression through MCT regulation.