Hyperthermia inhibits transforming growth factor beta-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells.
OBJECTIVE
EMT plays an essential role in tumor progression and metastasis. Hyperthermia is a potent approach for cancers with low side effects. However, the effect of hyperthermia on EMT of cancer cells is unknown.


METHODS
Cells were treated with TGF-β1 and epidermal growth factor for 96 h and then exposed to hyperthermia at 43°C for 0.5 h. Cell morphology was observed. Expressions of E-cadherin and vimentin were determined by Western blot. The protein and mRNA expressions of Snail were detected with Western blot and RT-PCR. Cell migratory capacity was evaluated.


RESULTS
TGF-β1 induced EMT in HepG2 cells, which was evidenced by morphological, molecular and functional changes, including the formation of spindle shape and the loss of cell contact. The expression of E-cadherin was decreased but the expression of vimentin increased; also, the migratory capability was increased by 2.1±0.19-fold as compared with untreated cells. However, those effects were inhibited by the treatment of hyperthermia. Furthermore, the protein and mRNA expressions of Snail induced by TGF-β1 were also significantly inhibited by hyperthermia treatment


CONCLUSIONS
Hyperthermia can inhibit TGF-β1-induced EMT in HepG2 cells, suggesting that hyperthermia may alter the properties of metastatic potential in cancer cells and inhibit tumor metastasis.
Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
Xi-Ming
XM
Xu
Guang-Jin
GJ
Yuan
Qian-Wen
QW
Li
Shun-Lin
SL
Shan
Shen
S
Jiang
D015703:Antigens, CD; D015153:Blotting, Western; D015820:Cadherins / Q000378:metabolism; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D002465:Cell Movement; D048430:Cell Shape; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000378:metabolism; D058750:Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D056945:Hep G2 Cells; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D000071250:Snail Family Transcription Factors; D013997:Time Factors; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1 / Q000378:metabolism*; D014746:Vimentin / Q000378:metabolism
D015703:Antigens, CD; C513384:CDH1 protein, human; D015820:Cadherins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D000071250:Snail Family Transcription Factors; D014157:Transcription Factors; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1; D014746:Vimentin; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor