Pseudogene ANXA2P2 knockdown shows tumor‐suppressive function by inhibition of the PI3K/PKB pathway in glioblastoma cells

Abstract The pseudogene annexin A2 pseudogene 2 (ANXA2P2) is highly expressed in glioblastoma (GBM). However, its role and mechanism involved in the progression of GBM remain poorly understood. ANXA2P2 messenger RNA expression was measured by quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. The protein levels were detected by Western blot. Cell viability was evaluated by the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assays. Cell invasive ability was investigated by the transwell assay and by epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Cell apoptosis was examined by flow cytometry. The results showed that ANXA2P2 expression was increased in GBM tissues and cells. Silencing of ANXA2P2 inhibited the activation of the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (PKB) pathway in GBM cells. Knockdown of ANXA2P2 decreased cell viability, promoted LDH release, suppressed cell invasive ability, and EMT, and induced cell apoptosis in GBM cells. The addition of the PI3K/PKB activator 740Y‐P abrogated the effects of ANXA2P2 knockdown on cell viability, LDH release, invasive ability, and apoptosis. In conclusion, knockdown of ANXA2P2 inhibited cell viability and invasion but promoted the apoptotic rate by suppressing the PI3K/PKB pathway in GBM cells. ANXA2P2 may represent a new target for the treatment of GBM.