A novel peptide that selectively binds highly metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma cell surface is related to invasion and metastasis.
Using a phage display approach, we identified AWYPLPP peptide as a specific peptide ligand that binds to the cell surface of highly metastatic human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Moreover, the peptide was able to promote in vitro invasion of highly metastatic HCC cells by activating matrix metalloproteinase-9 and in vivo lung metastasis of HCC tumors. These results indicate that AWYPLPP peptide likely recognizes a novel receptor that is selectively expressed on the cell surface of highly metastatic HCC and mediates cellular activities associated with the invasive phenotype. Identification of the receptor for the AWYPLPP peptide may provide new insights into the molecular mechanism of HCC metastasis.
Jia
Wei-Dong
WD
Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China.
Sun
Hui-Chuan
HC
Zhang
Ju-Bo
JB
Xu
Yang
Y
Qian
Yong-Bing
YB
Pang
Jin-Zhong
JZ
Wang
Lu
L
Qin
Lun-Xiu
LX
Liu
Yin-Kun
YK
Tang
Zhao-You
ZY
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000378:metabolism*; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism*; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D009842:Oligopeptides / Q000378:metabolism*
D009842:Oligopeptides