Expression and function of FERMT genes in colon carcinoma cells.

Abstract

Invasion into the matrix is one of hallmarks of malignant diseases and is the first step for tumor metastasis. Thus, analysis of the molecular mechanisms of invasion is essential to overcome tumor cell invasion. In the present study, we screened for colon carcinoma-specific genes using a cDNA microarray database of colon carcinoma tissues and normal colon tissues, and we found that fermitin family member-1 (FERMT1) is overexpressed in colon carcinoma cells. FRRMT1, FERMT2 and FERMT3 expression was investigated in colon carcinoma cells. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis revealed that only FERMT1 had cancer cell-specific expression. Protein expression of FERMT1 was confirmed by western blotting and immunohistochemical staining. To address the molecular functions of FERMT genes in colon carcinoma cells, we established FERMT1-, FERMT2- and FERMT3-overexpressing colon carcinoma cells. FERMT1-overexpressing cells exhibited greater invasive ability than did FERMT2- and FERMT3-overexpressing cells. On the other hand, FERMT1-, FERMT2- and FERMT3-overexpressing cells exhibited enhancement of cell growth. Taken together, the results of this study indicate that FERMT1 is expressed specifically in colon carcinoma cells, and has roles in matrix invasion and cell growth. These findings indicate that FERMT1 is a potential molecular target for cancer therapy.

• Authors: Kenji Kiriyama, Yoshihiko Hirohashi, Toshihiko Torigoe, Terufumi Kubo, Yasuaki Tamura, Takayuki Kanaseki, Akari Takahashi, Emiri Nakazawa, Eri Saka, Charlotte Ragnarsson, Munehide Nakatsugawa, Satoko Inoda, Hiroko Asanuma, Hideo Takasu, Tadashi Hasegawa, Takahiro Yasoshima, Koichi Hirata, Noriyuki Sato
• Journal: Anticancer research (Anticancer Res) Vol. 33 Issue 1 Pg. 167-73 (Jan 2013) ISSN: 1791-7530 [Electronic] Greece
• PMID: 23267142 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• FERMT1 protein, human
• FERMT3 protein, human
• Membrane Proteins
• Neoplasm Proteins

Topics

• Carcinoma (genetics, metabolism)
• Colonic Neoplasms (genetics, metabolism)
• Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
• HCT116 Cells
• Humans
• Membrane Proteins (genetics, metabolism)
• Neoplasm Invasiveness (genetics)
• Neoplasm Proteins (genetics, metabolism)
• Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis