Rhabdomyosarcoma-derived cell lines exhibit aberrant expression of the cell-cell adhesion molecules N-CAM, N-cadherin, and cadherin-associated proteins.
Many cancer cells show aberrant adhesion properties that likely contribute to tumorigenesis, invasion, and metastasis. Here, we examine three MyoD-expressing, rhabdomyosarcoma-derived human cell lines (RD, A-204, and HS 729) for their expression of the neural cell adhesion molecule (N-CAM), N-cadherin, and the cadherin-associated proteins, alpha-catenin, beta-catenin, and plakoglobin, using specific antibodies and immunoblotting and immunocytochemical methods. Normally, during the formation of skeletal muscle, both N-CAM and N-cadherin are expressed and participate in mediating myoblast adhesion accompanying cell fusion. RD cells express N-CAM, N-cadherin, and the cadherin-associated proteins; however, N-CAM is expressed as a highly sialylated isoform that functions poorly in promoting Ca(2+)-independent cell aggregation. HS 729 cells express N-cadherin and its associated intracellular proteins but have no detectable N-CAM. A-204 cells express no detectable N-CAM or N-cadherin but do express cadherin-associated proteins. Thus, all three rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines exhibit some abnormality in the expression of adhesion molecules known to participate in skeletal myogenesis; however, no common defect was observed that might be considered as a characteristic marker for rhabdomyosarcomas.
Lankenau Medical Research Center, Wynnewood, Pennsylvania 19096.
A P
AP
Soler
K R
KR
Johnson
M J
MJ
Wheelock
K A
KA
Knudsen
D015820:Cadherins / Q000378:metabolism*; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D015816:Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal / Q000378:metabolism*; D002449:Cell Aggregation; D003598:Cytoskeletal Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D051180:Desmoplakins; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D009124:Muscle Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D009132:Muscles / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D017570:MyoD Protein; D012208:Rhabdomyosarcoma / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D015534:Trans-Activators; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured; D051178:alpha Catenin; D051176:beta Catenin; D051185:gamma Catenin
C495273:CTNNA1 protein, human; C495270:CTNNB1 protein, human; D015820:Cadherins; D015816:Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal; D003598:Cytoskeletal Proteins; D051180:Desmoplakins; D009124:Muscle Proteins; D017570:MyoD Protein; D015534:Trans-Activators; D051178:alpha Catenin; D051176:beta Catenin; D051185:gamma Catenin