Ionizing radiation promotes migration and invasion of cancer cells through transforming growth factor-beta-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To examine whether ionizing radiation enhances the migratory and invasive abilities of cancer cells through transforming growth factor (TGF-β)-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).

METHODS AND MATERIALS:

Six cancer cell lines originating from different human organs were irradiated by 60Co γ-ray at a total dose of 2 Gy, and the changes associated with EMT, including morphology, EMT markers, migration and invasion, were observed by microscope, Western blot, immunofluorescence, scratch assay, and transwell chamber assay, respectively. Then the protein levels of TGF-β in these cancer cells were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the role of TGF-β signaling pathway in the effect of ionizing radiation on EMT was investigate by using the specific inhibitor SB431542.

RESULTS:

After irradiation with γ-ray at a total dose of 2 Gy, cancer cells presented the mesenchymal phenotype, and compared with the sham-irradiation group the expression of epithelial markers was decreased and of mesenchymal markers was increased, the migratory and invasive capabilities were strengthened, and the protein levels of TGF-β were enhanced. Furthermore, events associated with EMT induced by IR in A549 could be reversed through inhibition of TGF-β signaling.

CONCLUSIONS:

These results suggest that EMT mediated by TGF-β plays a critical role in IR-induced enhancing of migratory and invasive capabilities in cancer cells.

• Authors: Yong-Chun Zhou, Jun-Ye Liu, Jing Li, Jie Zhang, Yu-Qiao Xu, Hua-Wei Zhang, Lian-Bo Qiu, Gui-Rong Ding, Xiao-Ming Su, Mei-Shi, Guo-Zhen Guo
• Journal: International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics (Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys) Vol. 81 Issue 5 Pg. 1530-7 (Dec 01 2011) ISSN: 1879-355X [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 22115555 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• 4-(5-benzo(1,3)dioxol-5-yl-4-pyridin-2-yl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)benzamide
• Benzamides
• Cobalt Radioisotopes
• Dioxoles
• Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta
• Transforming Growth Factor beta1

Topics

• Benzamides (pharmacology)
• Cell Line, Tumor
• Cell Movement (radiation effects)
• Cobalt Radioisotopes
• Dioxoles (pharmacology)
• Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (physiology, radiation effects)
• Gamma Rays
• Humans
• Neoplasm Invasiveness
• Neoplasm Metastasis
• Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta (antagonists & inhibitors)
• Transforming Growth Factor beta1 (physiology)