We have previously demonstrated that
laminin modulates the expression of adhesion molecules in an
adenoid cystic carcinoma cell line (CAC2 cells). We are currently studying whether
laminin can induce modifications in the overall morphology of CAC2 cells. These cells were grown in a three-dimensional preparation of
laminin-1. Phenotype differences were assessed by light and transmission electron microscopy. CAC2 cells grown inside
laminin-1 formed ductlike and pseudocystic structures. Based on our findings we suggest that
laminin is a key regulator of tubular and pseudocystic patterns of
adenoid cystic carcinoma. We also analyzed the effect of a molecular domain of
laminin-1, the
peptide SIKVAV (
Ser-Ile-Lys-Val-Ala-Val) on CAC2 cells. This
peptide was chosen because it is effective in cell proliferation and differentiation, and because it has never been tested before in
salivary gland neoplasms. When CAC2 cells were grown inside
SIKVAV-enriched
laminin-1, only pseudocystic structures were observed. Since no ductlike structures were observed in samples treated with
SIKVAV, we may assume that this
peptide is at least one of the molecular domains of
laminin responsible for the pseudocystic pattern observed in
adenoid cystic carcinoma. Function disturbing experiments strongly suggested that the
integrin alpha3beta1 play a role in the effect of
laminin on CAC2 cells.