Metastasis of human colon cancer is altered by modifying expression of the beta-galactoside-binding protein galectin 3.

Abstract

BACKGROUND & AIMS:

Galectin 3 is a beta-galactoside-binding protein whose expression has been correlated with advanced tumor stage in the colon, but direct evidence for a role in metastasis is lacking. The current study was designed to more directly establish the role of galectin 3 in colon cancer metastasis.

METHODS:

Galectin 3 levels were manipulated in human colon cancer cells using eukaryotic expression constructs designed to express the complete galectin 3 complementary DNA in either the sense or antisense orientation. Liver colonization was assessed in athymic mice after splenic-portal inoculation or after spontaneous metastasis during cecal growth.

RESULTS:

Introduction of galectin 3 antisense into metastatic colon cancer cells (LSLiM6, HM7) resulted in a significant reduction in galectin 3-specific messenger RNA and total and cell surface galectin 3 protein. Conversely, stable integration of galectin 3 in the sense orientation resulted in an increase in cellular and cell surface galectin 3 in cells of low metastatic potential (LS174T). Reduction in galectin 3 levels was associated with a marked decrease in liver colonization and spontaneous metastasis by LSLiM6 and HM7 cells, whereas up-regulation of galectin 3 resulted in increased metastasis by LS174T cells.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study provides direct evidence that galectin 3 plays an important role in colon cancer metastasis.

• Authors: R S Bresalier, N Mazurek, L R Sternberg, J C Byrd, C K Yunker, P Nangia-Makker, A Raz
• Journal: Gastroenterology (Gastroenterology) Vol. 115 Issue 2 Pg. 287-96 (Aug 1998) ISSN: 0016-5085 [Print] United States
• PMID: 9679034 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Antigens, Differentiation
• Antisense Elements (Genetics)
• Galactosides
• Galectin 3
• beta-galactoside

Topics

• Adenocarcinoma (metabolism, secondary)
• Animals
• Antigens, Differentiation (metabolism)
• Antisense Elements (Genetics) (genetics)
• Cell Line, Transformed
• Cell Membrane (metabolism)
• Colonic Neoplasms (metabolism, pathology)
• Galactosides (metabolism)
• Galectin 3
• Humans
• Mice
• Mice, Nude
• Tissue Distribution
• Transfection (genetics)
• Tumor Cells, Cultured