Connexin 43 recruits E-cadherin expression and inhibits the malignant behaviour of lung cancer cells.
The interaction of connexin 43 and E-cadherin may play an important role in carcinogenesis and malignant behaviour of tumours. In this study, we examined the relationship between connexin 43 and E-cadherin in human non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). Expression levels of connexin 43 and E-cadherin were examined in 107 NSCLC specimens by immunohistochemistry. The connexin 43 gene was transfected into lung cancer LH7 cells. The protein localizations and levels of connexin 43 and E-cadherin were detected using immunofluorescence staining and western blot. Cell cycle and proliferation of lung cancer cells were examined using flow cytometry and MTT. We found that reduced expression of both connexin 43 and E-cadherin significantly correlated to poor differentiation, advanced TNM stage, and lymph note metastasis of NSCLCs. Connexin 43 and E-cadherin expression significantly correlated with each other. Over-expression of connexin 43 significantly induced E-cadherin expression. Moreover, connexin 43-transfected LH7 cells showed significantly decreased cell proliferation. The percentage of cells in G1 phase increased, while the number of cells in S and G2 phases significantly decreased. We concluded that concurrent reduction of connexin 43 and E-cadherin may contribute to the development of lung cancer. Connexin 43 may induce E-cadherin expression and inhibit cell proliferation and progression of lung cancer.
Xu
Hong-Tao
HT
Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China.
Li
Qing-Chang
QC
Zhang
Yong-Xing
YX
Zhao
Yue
Y
Liu
Yang
Y
Yang
Zhi-Qiang
ZQ
Wang
En-Hua
EH
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015820:Cadherins / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D002453:Cell Cycle; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D018031:Connexin 43 / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D014162:Transfection
D015820:Cadherins; D018031:Connexin 43