Fig. 8

Molecular mechanism of SPP1-induced Trans-differentiation of LX2 to Cancer-associated Fibroblasts. (A): Blocking the CD44 receptor inhibits the activating effect of recombinant osteopontin (r-OPN) on LX2 cells (n=3). (B): r-OPN binds to the CD44 receptor, leading to activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway (n=3). (C): Blocking the CD44 receptor inhibits r-OPN-induced activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway (n=3). (D): Schematic diagrams illustrate that tumor cell-derived SPP1 binds to the CD44 receptor on LX2 cell membranes, promoting their differentiation into cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) via activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway